Accidentally pouring diesel in your gas tank is an issue by itself, but driving your vehicle with the diesel present can cause serious damage to the engine. Diesel can wreak havoc on the fuel lines and the engine as soon as it reaches the intake system.
What Happens When You Accidentally Put Diesel In A Gas Engine?
Because diesel is thicker than gasoline, it can clog and damage the gas engine’s injection system quite quickly. There is a real possibility the diesel could damage other components, as well.
Let’s look at three common problems diesel can cause when in a gas engine below.
Engine Issues
Depending on the amount of diesel that ultimately enters the gas tank and whether you started your engine, the diesel can clog both the spark plugs and fuel injectors.
In this case, the vehicle can misfire, stall, or not start up at all.
Damage To The Catalytic Converter
Unburned diesel can enter the exhaust system and cause damage to the catalytic converter. This is a crucial component, responsible for reducing the vehicle’s emissions.
Clogged Fuel System
Diesel, when in a gas tank, has the potential to clog up the filters, fuel lines, and even pumps if the engine is run for a short while.
What To Do If You Put Diesel In Your Gas Tank
If you accidentally put diesel into your gas tank, follow the next few steps:
- Refrain from starting your engine. It is critical to keep the diesel inside the tank. This can keep the diesel from entering the fuel lines, causing serious issues.
- Do not panic right away because mixing the two fuels in the tank, by itself, is not dangerous.
- Call your local auto care experts to see what your next step should be.
The auto care professionals will drain and then rinse the gas tank to remove any diesel and its residue. This is the only necessary service if you did not start your engine at any point after filling up with diesel.
However, some additional work may be needed if you did drive your vehicle with diesel in the tank. If you ran the engine and then it stalled, the auto care professionals will have to make several repairs. This typically includes flushing the fuel line, inspecting the fuel pump for damage, servicing the fuel injector system, replacing both the spark plugs and fuel filter.
Conclusion
Heath’s Auto Service In Cottonwood, AZ
At Heath’s Auto Service, our comprehensive range of services covers everything from routine maintenance to complex repairs. Our certified technicians are skilled in handling oil changes, brake inspections, engine diagnostics, tire rotations, and much more. Whether it’s a minor tune-up or a major overhaul, trust us to get you back on the road with confidence. Contact our team at Heath’s Auto Service today!
