old oil in tank - still okay?

Hi all, The house we just bought has 2 oil tanks. Previous owner told us both were empty. We just got an oil delivery today and turns out one tank was actually totally full — but the line from the tank to the boiler was so clogged that no oil from that tank was getting to the boiler.

I spoke with the previous owner and she had no idea one tank was actually already full — she’d been getting regular oil deliveries for the one tank for years. She estimated the oil in the full tank must therefore be at least 5 years old (when she took over care of the house from her mom, who always kept both tanks full).

So my Q is — is it safe to use 5 year old oil, if it’s been sealed up in a tank? Boiler tech seems to think so, but I’m still worried. Anyone here have any thoughts?

Thanks so much in advance!
e

empathie00

in Boiler Repair 13 years and 8 months ago

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empathie00 | 13 years and 7 months ago

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this is all very helpful, thanks. boiler tech did install a new filter, so that’s a good thing I guess. we’ve been running it now for hot water for the past few days and I’ve not noticed any smell or smoke or anything, so we’re hoping that continues! the ironic thing is we’re plannign to convert to gas as part of a larger reno, but now we’ve got nearly 400 gallons of oil, so I guess we’ll wait!   🙂 cheers.

steam_man | 13 years and 8 months ago

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You’re going to have water on top and sludge on the bottom. The sludge is normal and suction lines are lifted above the bottom of the tank for this reason. The water presents a bit of a problem and will cause an unstable flame once the level gets low enough. That being said, run it this winter and watch the flame. It should be ok for a good while. I wouldn’t waste that oil.

daveinbedstuy | 13 years and 8 months ago

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“Boiler tech seems to think so”  doesn’t sound encouraging.  Have whoever delivers your oil check it out or call Petro, who ate very good.

stevecym | 13 years and 8 months ago

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If this were my house, I would probably use it but would install a fuel filter in the line – especially since you already said that the line had been clogged.  I am not a burner guy, but I doubt any foreign matter would cause any permanant damage to the system; it would probably just clog it again. Steve

ejalbk | 13 years and 8 months ago

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My guess is that it will work although it may not be the cleanest burning flame. I don’t see the harm in running it for five minutes or so and see what happens. Let us know….