How long does diesel last in a fuel can?

[FreeLitres]

I have just found a can of diesel in my garage which I must have filled when I first got an oil-burner company car in 2004. Yep - about 7 years ago!

Will the contents be absolutely shot, or might it be ok? Any easy way to check?

[turbopug]

As long as it was a sealed container, I would say it's OK. Diesel lasts forever. It's a lot heavier and tougher than petrol so it doesn't evaporate in the same way.

[miniman]

I'd also argue that petrol is a lot less volatile than people make out. My Dolly Sprint has been in the garage for the last 2 years and has never been out on the road in that time. Nonetheless it still starts first time, every time on the ancient fuel in the tank.

[Willy Nilly]

We have diesel in a tank for a standby generator at work that is over 40 years old. The engine will stand for a few years at a time and start first swing

[Jimmyarm]

It depends on how big the can is but, generally speaking until the can is empty...

[FreeLitres]

Willy Nilly said:

We have diesel in a tank for a standby generator at work that is over 40 years old. The engine will stand for a few years at a time and start first swing

Excellent.

So I don't need to buy a diesel car for another 33 years!