What to Do If You Accidentally Put Gasoline in Your Diesel Truck
31st Jul 2020
Ever since their humble beginnings, diesel engines were seen as an automotive revolution that would change the way Americans drive, and the same sentiment remains to this day.
The many benefits of diesel-powered machines today have allowed them to become one of the most sought-after options in showrooms across the US. Although gas engines are enjoyable and dependable in their own right, many Americans find themselves devoted to their diesel counterparts because of reliability, lower gas costs, and unhampered performance.
For any diesel truck owner, having such a vehicle is an enjoyable experience because of the way the engine pulls and feels on the road. From the moment that you bring your car out of the showroom to the day you go through its fifth or six engine oil change, driving around with your truck will always be fulfilling.
As enjoyable as the experience may be, the diesel truck ownership is still plagued with many concerns that are a source of worry. One such worry is the question of “what happens when you put gasoline in a diesel engine?”
Going over the common concern in further detail
Admittedly, many diesel truck owners (or vehicle owners, in general) see the mistake of putting the wrong fuel in their truck as a mistake that has grave consequences. It may seem like the end of the world to some extent, but the truth is that you can turn things around and avoid any problems along the way by knowing all that you should about the situation!
What happens when you put gasoline in a diesel engine?
Generally, the expectation that you should have if ever you put the wrong fuel into the tank and straight inside your engine is that it won’t work. Gasoline, contrary to misguided belief, isn’t some type of “richer diesel” because it’s entirely different in terms of composition, so don’t expect “prime” performance!
As opposed to putting diesel in a gas engine, you won’t get a sluggish start when you do it the other way around. You’ll just end up experiencing the sound, sight, and sensation of a starter that works but doesn’t pick up. Know that gasoline doesn’t ignite on its own and has various chemical components that rely on spark plugs to ignite gas and air, something that your diesel truck engine doesn’t have.
“I put gasoline in my diesel truck’s tank— what should I do?”
First, it is vital that you don’t panic. If there’s anything you shouldn’t do, it’s panic as soon as you put in the wrong fuel because even the slightest overreaction can make things worse. Remember, putting in the wrong fuel doesn’t mean that it’s the end of the world (or your bank account) as long as you calm down, act accordingly, and follow this guide!
If you’ve realized that you put in the wrong fuel, understand that you shouldn’t try to start your engine to avoid cycling it inside. Once you’ve calmed down, the next step is to call a tow truck that can haul your truck to an expert’s shop so that they can extract the fuel.
When you finally bring your truck to the shop, all you’ll need to do is sit back and wait as they’ll run all the necessary measures to safely siphon the gasoline out of your diesel tank!
Conclusion
Running into the great fear of accidentally putting gasoline into your diesel truck’s fuel tank is a concern that can understandably feel like a nightmare. However, it’s much easier to solve than you may expect. With the help of this guide, you can keep your engine safe and sound, avoid bank-breaking repair costs, and have your truck running smoothly on the right fuel in no time!
We’re the leading diesel engine parts supplier in America that carries OEM and aftermarket parts for Ford Powerstroke, Chevy Duramax, and Dodge Cummins trucks. Give us a call today to learn more about how we can help you improve your truck’s performance!