“What to do if you put Diesel in a Gas Engine”

Most vehicles on the road today, use either gasoline or diesel fuel to power their engines. The price of the fuels is often different and it can be tempting to put in the cheapest option. This is not a good idea, however. In this week’s blog, we will cover what to do if you put diesel in your gas engine.

Both diesel and gasoline fuel come from crude oil. The process to produce both of the fuel sources is fairly similar. During the process, the heavier diesel (larger hydrocarbons)  is separated from the lighter gasoline. More refining steps and additives are added to optimize the fuel for use in car, boat, truck, or train engines. The properties of gasoline and diesel are what make them do a similar job, but are also the reason they can not be mixed together in your engine. 

The first step is to recognize what you have done. Hopefully, this is before a lot of diesel has gone into your gas tank. If you fill up your tank to the brim, do not panic. Do not attempt to drive your vehicle. Your vehicle's engine is specifically designed to run on a certain type of fuel that produces a certain amount of energy when under specific conditions. Attempting to use another fuel source could permanently destroy your engine. Call a tow company and an auto repair shop. If you have the tools to pump your fuel tank, you can do that, or wait for the professionals to help with the issue. The most important thing is to get rid of all the contaminated fuel, before operating your motor vehicle again. 

When going to the gas pump it is important to pay attention to which nozzle you are grabbing. If you are unsure what type of fuel your vehicle takes, look in the owner's manual or it may be printed on the fuel tank cap. If you happen to refill with the wrong fuel, remain calm and do not start your vehicle. Contact professionals who can effectively and safely remove the contaminated fuel and get you back on your way.