How can you tell if red diesel has oil in it?
In brief
Darker, thicker fuel that clings to the sides of a sample jar and leaves an oily film. Laboratories measure viscosity and ash content. Call 07950 582635 or send an enquiry.
What oil in red diesel does
A little oil thickens diesel and raises its ash content, fouling injectors and filters; larger amounts make it unusable as engine fuel.
If you find oil in red diesel
Stop using the fuel, keep it in a closed container away from drains and ignition sources, and note roughly how much there is. Usually yes, if the oil content is small; it is recovered into heavier fuel blends.
How City Fuel Services handles waste red diesel
We collect waste red diesel from cans and drums up to bulk tanks, across England, Wales and mainland Scotland, from our licensed site in Droylsden, Manchester. Terms, a rebate or a charge, are agreed before collection.
Terms used in this answer
- Flash point
- The lowest temperature at which a liquid gives off enough vapour to catch light. Petrol's is around minus 40 °C; diesel's is above 55 °C.
- Diesel bug
- Bacteria and fungi that grow where water meets diesel in a tank. They form slime and sludge that block filters.
| Problem | Oil in Red diesel |
|---|---|
| Recoverable? | Usually yes, if the oil content is small; it is recovered into heavier fuel blends. |
| Fuel | Red diesel |
| Also called | gas oil, rebated diesel, marked gas oil |
| Waste code | 13 07 01* (fuel oil and diesel) |
Related questions
- Can red diesel contaminated with oil be recovered?
- Is red diesel contaminated with oil worth anything?
- What should I do with red diesel contaminated with oil?
- How do you remove oil from red diesel?
- How does oil get into red diesel?
- How do you stop oil getting into red diesel?
- How can you tell if red diesel has water in it?
- How can you tell if red diesel has diesel bug?
- How can you tell if red diesel has petrol in it?
Official guidance: GOV.UK: hazardous waste.