Putting diesel in a gasoline car can cause a range of problems, depending on how much diesel is in the tank and how much gasoline was already there. Here are some of the potential issues:
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Engine Gumming Up and Seizing: Diesel fuel can cause the engine to gum up and seize, which can be a costly repair.
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Difficulty Starting: Cars with a small proportion of diesel mixed into their gasoline may still run and drive, but they may have difficulty starting.
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Reduced Power: Mixing diesel into gasoline can cause the car to have reduced power.
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Smoke from the Exhaust: Cars with diesel in the gas tank may emit smoke from the exhaust due to the excess unburnt fuel and particulates the diesel leaves in the exhaust.
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Catalytic Converter Failure: Diesel in the gas tank can potentially cause the catalytic converters to fail due to the excess unburnt fuel and particulates.
If you accidentally put diesel in your gas car, its important not to start the engine. Here are some steps you can take:
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Do Not Panic: Mixing the two fuels is not, by itself, dangerous.
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Call a Dealership or Local Repair Shop: Arrange for an emergency tow to get your vehicle to the service center.
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Drain and Rinse the Gas Tank: A mechanic will drain and rinse the gas tank to remove diesel and its residue. If you didn’t start the engine, that’s the only service necessary. However, additional work may be needed if you drove with diesel in the gas tank.
Its important to note that diesel fuel probably wont destroy your engine, though it may require replacing some parts. However, attempting to drive a vehicle with diesel in a gas engine can cause it to stall as soon as diesel reaches the intake system, potentially clogging the fuel lines and damaging the engine.
