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EllickK Sophomore Author Toronto Posts:170 Points:16,970 Joined:Dec 2004	Message Posted: Dec 22, 2004 10:10:01 AM Ignore EllickK Report Abuse What would happen if you put diesel into a gasoline cars tank...would it run?

EllickK

Sophomore Author
Toronto

Posts:170
Points:16,970
Joined:Dec 2004

Message Posted: Dec 22, 2004 10:10:01 AM

Ignore EllickK Report Abuse

What would happen if you put diesel into a gasoline cars tank...would it run?

REPLIES (newest first)

tranle Champion Author San Jose Posts:10,620 Points:2,409,385 Joined:Apr 2003	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2005 9:12:25 PM Ignore tranle Report Abuse If you catch it soon enough, there won't be any damage done to motor. But you may have to the tank and engine clean out.
TBW Champion Author Austin Posts:12,863 Points:2,537,185 Joined:May 2003	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2005 6:43:29 PM Ignore TBW Report Abuse Maybe it would run a little while but I think when it stops it will be in for major repairs. Humble opinion, the 4-product dispenser (3 gasoline and 1 diesel) should be avoided. Not only is there that possibility of messing up yourself but they stink.
Scout98239 Rookie Author Washington Posts:7 Points:220 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2005 5:02:42 PM Ignore Scout98239 Report Abuse DO NOT PUT DIESEL FUEL IN A GAS TANK,, listen to all the folks telling you this.. you can mix gas into a diesel tank to thin out the diesel fuel,, but not the other way around.. I sometimes mix 5-7 gallons of unleaded in my 41 gallon tank,, Ford F-250 7.3 ltr Powerstroke Diesel.. Bottom line,, DO NOT DO THIS, unless you have money to burn on a new engine
lifesaver All-Star Author Raleigh Posts:689 Points:216,810 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2005 2:51:04 PM Ignore lifesaver Report Abuse I would not want to take a chance putting diesel in a gas engine.
SpiritWinds Rookie Author Albany Posts:2 Points:86,465 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2005 5:00:33 AM Ignore SpiritWinds Report Abuse To reply to a few previous posts: You should use Kerosene to thin Diesel, not Unleaded gasoline. It IS illegal to use Home Heating Oil instead of Diesel in on-road vehicles. It is true that Home Heating Oil and Diesel are exactly the same except each is died a different color. Diesel is higher priced due to additional taxes for road vehicle use. You can get away with using less expensive Home Heating Oil in farm tractors and that is not illegal.
GUNNIE Champion Author Indiana Posts:1,088 Points:57,260 Joined:Feb 2004	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2005 5:29:30 AM Ignore GUNNIE Report Abuse You will fowl the daylidgts out of your sparkplugs & I don't know for sure but I would think you would plug your injectors.I used to put 3 gallons of gas in each 20 gallon tank on my 80 chevy diesel pickup in the winter just to keep it from jelling.
samiamaway Rookie Author District of Columbia Posts:8 Points:300 Joined:Feb 2005	Message Posted: Feb 22, 2005 4:48:51 AM Ignore samiamaway Report Abuse Diesel will not seriously harm a gasoline engine. That said, a gasoline engine will not run on diesel, it does not have the capacity to ignite the fuel. So while no actual damage has been caused, as has been stated, you will have to clean out all of the diesel before it will run again. The mechanics tell you they have to replace all of those parts, while really it is a matter of getting as much diesel out as you can, and letting the rest burn off with the gas. A bit of diesel mixed with gasoline would have the effect of a bit of oil mixed with the gas, a litte smoke.
Tiny Spirit All-Star Author Columbus Posts:617 Points:22,035 Joined:Feb 2005	Message Posted: Feb 21, 2005 4:50:25 AM Ignore Tiny Spirit Report Abuse Very interesting,I always wondered what would happen
fudpucker Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:10,236 Points:2,351,375 Joined:Oct 2003	Message Posted: Feb 21, 2005 3:35:41 AM Ignore fudpucker Report Abuse For only about 2 minutes until the gasoline cleared the fuel line.
RedCruiser Champion Author Orlando Posts:4,429 Points:815,800 Joined:Jan 2004	Message Posted: Feb 21, 2005 3:11:13 AM Ignore RedCruiser Report Abuse drayvnn - If Valero doesn't offer to pay the FULL cost of repairs, you should retain an attorney, since the station is totally at fault. Or at least THREATEN litigation because they SHOULD know they will lose.
majorfall Champion Author New York Posts:10,644 Points:2,134,940 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Feb 20, 2005 6:11:45 PM Ignore majorfall Report Abuse sometimes I put gas into my diesel to thin it out
drayvnn Rookie Author Oklahoma City Posts:1 Points:120 Joined:Jan 2005	Message Posted: Jan 25, 2005 9:32:32 AM Ignore drayvnn Report Abuse I just had this happen on 01/12/2005, the gas station filled their regular pump with diesel, I filled the tank, drove ten miles and the next day the vehicle wouldn't start. Valero was not forthcoming that the error had occurred, I noticed the pumps were closed the next day, but they stated that it was because of computer problems. I had the vehicle towed to the dealership (2002 vehicle) they diagnosed the vehicle as diesel in the tank (full tank $25.00. The repairs listed a system check, fuel module, fuel filter, clean tank, fuel lines and fuel rail, flush fuel injectors; replace spark plugs, O2 sensors and the catalytic converter. Now Valero wants to negotiate what repairs they want to pay for.
ricer1985 Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:42,027 Points:2,074,410 Joined:Jan 2004	Message Posted: Jan 12, 2005 6:21:45 AM Ignore ricer1985 Report Abuse Sure, you could, although it would cost a few grand to have it fixed.
tranle Champion Author San Jose Posts:10,620 Points:2,409,385 Joined:Apr 2003	Message Posted: Jan 11, 2005 9:15:30 PM Ignore tranle Report Abuse Some gas station service guy did that accidentally to my parents car. You have to get your motor fuel system cleaned. But other than that there was no damage to the motor.
UltDragon All-Star Author California Posts:655 Points:206,420 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Jan 11, 2005 8:13:18 PM Ignore UltDragon Report Abuse Don't try it unless you have money that you want to donate to your mechanic.
majorfall Champion Author New York Posts:10,644 Points:2,134,940 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Jan 11, 2005 6:12:39 PM Ignore majorfall Report Abuse not for long!
vulcan96 Champion Author Ohio Posts:17,676 Points:2,089,520 Joined:Aug 2004	Message Posted: Jan 7, 2005 12:02:56 PM Ignore vulcan96 Report Abuse however, cheaper fuel oil works fine in deisel cars, but probably illegal
vulcan96 Champion Author Ohio Posts:17,676 Points:2,089,520 Joined:Aug 2004	Message Posted: Jan 7, 2005 12:01:46 PM Ignore vulcan96 Report Abuse could possibly do serious damges to many componets, maby total engine
JaW52489 Rookie Author Illinois Posts:93 Points:4,515 Joined:Dec 2004	Message Posted: Jan 7, 2005 11:55:52 AM Ignore JaW52489 Report Abuse i wouldnt try it. it says unleaded gas only for a reason
rrtruck Champion Author Austin Posts:12,580 Points:2,461,010 Joined:Aug 2003	Message Posted: Jan 5, 2005 4:39:15 AM Ignore rrtruck Report Abuse It wouldn't hurt the gas tank at all. From there forward, watch out.
Jeep Scramb Champion Author Michigan Posts:3,606 Points:693,805 Joined:Jan 2004	Message Posted: Jan 2, 2005 4:34:27 PM Ignore Jeep Scramb Report Abuse I seen this happen to a car once, it only made it a litele over a block before the engine quite. it is something that you fuel injectors can not handle to well, the fuel tank had to be drained, andthe fuel systems had to flushed, and the car still ran bad for a while and smoked really bad. and the own also have to replace the plugs. I don't know if they had to replace the catiletic coverter or not, but i can only guess that it had quite abit of carbon fowling.
Scubamarsh Champion Author Tacoma Posts:2,316 Points:523,410 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Jan 2, 2005 4:41:09 AM Ignore Scubamarsh Report Abuse Not something I want to try.
backwash Champion Author Toronto Posts:6,110 Points:1,351,590 Joined:Mar 2003	Message Posted: Jan 1, 2005 3:11:28 PM Ignore backwash Report Abuse bad move ... your repair bill will tell you how bad a move it would be
nrg2004 Champion Author Austin Posts:2,212 Points:669,090 Joined:Mar 2004	Message Posted: Dec 30, 2004 3:37:48 AM Ignore nrg2004 Report Abuse My dad used to put diesel into the old ford station wagon with the 400 engine. would put about 1 gallon in the tank and then fill with gasoline, the mechanic told him it would blow the carbon out. We only did this on long vacation trips when the gas would all be burned the same day. Did not seem to cause any problems, whether it blew the carbon out, I do not know.
cincindie Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:9,784 Points:1,936,545 Joined:Mar 2004	Message Posted: Dec 29, 2004 3:24:43 AM Ignore cincindie Report Abuse Diesel has a higher flash point than gas, and it burns at a higher temperature/pressure. The piston walls on a gas engine, which are thin, will not be able to handle it. If it does, diesel will not be completely combusted in a gasoline engine.
RetiredMike Champion Author Las Vegas Posts:2,338 Points:1,554,290 Joined:Feb 2003	Message Posted: Dec 24, 2004 12:04:01 PM Ignore RetiredMike Report Abuse In the older cars, a little (couple of gallons) would not harm it. I have done it and it seemed to cause the car to run smoother, for whatever reason. I was told about this by old farmers, that it help keep the older cars "better lubricated".
racer3 Champion Author New York Posts:7,294 Points:1,477,300 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Dec 24, 2004 11:01:56 AM Ignore racer3 Report Abuse it would run into the thousands of dollars of repairs
dustmonkey Champion Author Iowa Posts:8,468 Points:1,851,495 Joined:Mar 2004	Message Posted: Dec 24, 2004 10:28:51 AM Ignore dustmonkey Report Abuse No
lifesaver All-Star Author Raleigh Posts:689 Points:216,810 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Dec 24, 2004 7:12:59 AM Ignore lifesaver Report Abuse Not a very good idea.
bluebird1 Champion Author Toronto Posts:10,508 Points:2,105,720 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Dec 24, 2004 6:09:15 AM Ignore bluebird1 Report Abuse No it won't work and take time to drain/flush system. I don't think it would do any major damage to the engine other than not running. Now ask about sugar!!!!!!!!!!
golfbum Veteran Author Pittsburgh Posts:430 Points:125,130 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: Dec 23, 2004 6:15:21 PM Ignore golfbum Report Abuse It wouldn't work
geezer Champion Author Albany Posts:14,934 Points:2,060,615 Joined:Apr 2003	Message Posted: Dec 23, 2004 4:55:55 PM Ignore geezer Report Abuse No, it won't run. While in the military, my roommate accidently filled a our van's gasoline tank with jet fuel, which is similar to kerosene and diesel. Once the gasoline was burned out of the lines and carb, there was a rather abrupt halt in forward momentum. We didn't get that van back for two weeks from the motor pool.
xiii Champion Author Chicago Posts:14,420 Points:2,188,850 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Dec 23, 2004 3:06:59 PM Ignore xiii Report Abuse That's a no no!
miron Champion Author Toronto Posts:11,213 Points:2,238,000 Joined:Feb 2004	Message Posted: Dec 23, 2004 1:25:05 PM Ignore miron Report Abuse No!
majorfall Champion Author New York Posts:10,644 Points:2,134,940 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Dec 23, 2004 12:28:40 PM Ignore majorfall Report Abuse a trace amount can be put in for top cylinder lubrication
Coogie Champion Author Ohio Posts:2,501 Points:426,255 Joined:Oct 2004	Message Posted: Dec 23, 2004 10:32:28 AM Ignore Coogie Report Abuse would not start....mess and $$$$ to fix...
wriley4409 Champion Author Little Rock Posts:3,607 Points:827,650 Joined:Mar 2003	Message Posted: Dec 23, 2004 8:18:02 AM Ignore wriley4409 Report Abuse That would be one ugly sight.
Bus561 Champion Author Lexington Posts:11,284 Points:2,203,025 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Dec 23, 2004 8:12:39 AM Ignore Bus561 Report Abuse Don't make that mistake. You are talking massive engine and fuel line and tank repairs. Most of the time the diesel pump is green, but not always.
Rialta Champion Author Maryland Posts:3,406 Points:274,735 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Dec 23, 2004 4:08:26 AM Ignore Rialta Report Abuse Depends on how much Diesel is in the tank. If it runs it will likely foul the plugs in minutes. The Diesel fuel would NOT burn well at the low pressures generated by an Otto engine.
TheRider Champion Author Tacoma Posts:1,106 Points:235,745 Joined:Jul 2004	Message Posted: Dec 23, 2004 4:06:35 AM Ignore TheRider Report Abuse Yes it will run but it will smoke allot. It will also eventually totally gum up your engine. Diesel is combustible so it will burn in almost any thing. It is designed to work in a high compression chamber which gas cars do not have. This is why it will gum it up. It leaves residue that is not burned.
Load Champion Author Wyoming Posts:10,432 Points:1,977,810 Joined:Oct 2003	Message Posted: Dec 23, 2004 4:01:57 AM Ignore Load Report Abuse not a good situation
runninbexar Champion Author Fort Worth Posts:4,944 Points:1,347,225 Joined:Apr 2004	Message Posted: Dec 23, 2004 2:58:49 AM Ignore runninbexar Report Abuse no
Steve238 Champion Author Raleigh Posts:13,107 Points:2,724,185 Joined:Oct 2002	Message Posted: Dec 23, 2004 2:54:41 AM Ignore Steve238 Report Abuse It'll run like heck. I made the mistake of putting about four gallons of diesel into my 65 Mustang once. The pumps were not clearly marked at this little out of town station. I topped off with gasoline, and it bucked and kicked for a week after-wards. I would top off after it got down to 3/4 tank or so, just to keep diluting it. But it was still a rough ride.
Zantron Champion Author Detroit Posts:1,323 Points:306,305 Joined:Sep 2004	Message Posted: Dec 22, 2004 6:11:00 PM Ignore Zantron Report Abuse I had experience of that last year in Europe. I rented a mini-van that uses diesel, but my friend filled almost half tank of the gas in before my friend found out! So we keep fill diesel in until full. We don't think it is right, but we have to face it since we tried to take the gas out but not so easy! We used all the fuel and no problem happened. We filled again the diesel couple of times and it seemed very well! after 8000 KM run and we think the van is still in good shape. So don't do it, but it is not that terrible! Depends on what engine the car has. Some diesel engine can bear that sometimes...
alp Champion Author Portland Posts:12,625 Points:2,470,675 Joined:Feb 2003	Message Posted: Dec 22, 2004 5:44:17 PM Ignore alp Report Abuse Depends on how much diesel is mixed into how much gas - but basically anything over 10% is going to run badly, anything over 50% is going to either not run or damage the engine, or both. The damage is mostly due to fouled plugs, catalytic converters and air/fuel sensors. Short answer is DON'T do it!
EMC_John Sophomore Author Springfield Posts:244 Points:16,970 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Dec 22, 2004 10:41:45 AM Ignore EMC_John Report Abuse You could look up the vessel "Karen E" that had this happen to it. Short is you won't be able to ignite the diesel.