Empty Oil tank during home inspection?

Question

I am currently in the process of purchasing home (it's a short sale) and during the inspection, there was no oil in the tank. To have the system tested I need to have oil in the tank but I don't want to purchase a large amount. I've heard that I can purchase a few gallons of diesel and put that in there. Does anyone know if this is true.

It's a short sale so I can't ask for any assistance with this nor can I lower my offer (it's low enough anyway!). Any info would be appreciated!

Thanks

Answer 1

You can buy diesel from the pump. It is the exact same stuff.

The only difference is the stuff from the pump is more expensive because they add road taxes on it. But No.2 diesel is No.2 diesel. They color the fuel for heating so they can detect if you are using heating oil in a vehicle avoiding taxes.

The only problem I see is that when a tank is run dry it pulls junk and or water off the bottom in to the filter and sometimes the burner and plugs it up. Then it needs a service. So just putting in a little risks stirring up the junk.

But if it has been run dry already it is probably too late and likely needs a service now. You are never supposed to run a tank dry for this reason. If it is super clean you can get away with it but that is rarely the case.

Good Luck.      

Answer 2

Sure you can. I was selling my house and didn't want to fill my tank so I used diesel to heat it for the last couple of months. From the pumps .Diesel is just refined a little more it burns cleaner.  A can diesel from the pumps will be fine.

Answer 3

Yes you can, but do not purchase diesel from the pumps. Purchase the fuel from a bulk heating oil distributor and bring your own container. Like several five gallon containers. This will give you the correct blend of oil that your furnace is used to burning and will not then have to be serviced for an incorrect blend. This can be a real hassle even to the point of having to pump out the old stuff and paying to dispose of it. Another thought, why not just have the bulk fuel place deliver just a minimum of fuel anyway.