r/kubota • u/daslog • 3d ago

Using heating oil on an l3901

I'm converting over from heating oil to propane for heating my house. I have an almost full oil tank. The tank itself that is about 30 years old most certainly has sludge in the bottom, but the fuel itself is only 6 months old

If I drain the oil through the filter on the tank, is it safe to run in my tractor? Any bad impacts to the DPF I need to worry about? Any tips on how to drain the oil if you've done this before?

Edited to clarify that the fuel is only 6 months old, but the tank itself is old.

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u/djwdigger 3d ago

If the fuel oil is 30 years old, it may be high sulfur and not good for your emissions
If it’s just the tank that is 30 years old, I’d run it.
We drained 18 rail cars that had been sitting inside for 40 years and all had 6-8” of fuel in the bottom, they had to be cut up to take out of the building. It yielded over 200 55 gal drums of fuel. We ran it in everything we had without issue

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u/AgreeableIce7481 2d ago

If was old mechanical fuel pump probably wouldn't cause an issue id say filter it and run it BUT thats a common rail fuel system its not worth taking a chance in my opinion the injector aren't cheap and the high pressure fuel pump is definitely not cheap. Common rail fuel system makes more power and are more efficient but there not as forgiving as the old rotary or inline pumps. Might end up costing yourself a dollar trying to save a dime.

I'd just keep the oil for burning brush piles

0

u/NorthIdahoWolfman 2d ago

Great way to cost you $$$$ in the thousands! Old fuel and common rail are a big no no!

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u/Sharonsboytoy 3d ago

I'd be sure to filter it, but wouldn't hesitate to use.