What Happens When You Put Gas in a Diesel Truck?
Did you accidentally put gas in a diesel vehicle? Don’t worry–Central Avenue Automotive is here to help! As an ASE-certified and AAA-approved auto repair center with over 25 years of experience, we’ve seen this issue many times and can help you understand why this mistake matters and what to expect. We also offer high-quality, affordable diesel repair to get your vehicle back on the road and running smoothly again.
Contact us today at (253) 854-6762 or schedule an appointment online.
The Difference Between Gas-Powered and Diesel Engines
Since many diesel drivers also own a gasoline vehicle, it’s not uncommon for fueling mistakes to happen. However, it’s important to understand that although gasoline and diesel-powered engines both rely on internal combustion to generate power, they operate differently.
While gasoline engines use spark plugs to trigger ignition, diesel engines rely on high compression to generate enough heat to ignite the fuel-air mixture. The compression-ignition process is what essentially sets diesel engines apart from gasoline engines and allows them to achieve greater fuel efficiency and torque. Unlike gasoline, diesel fuel also acts as a lubricant for various parts of the fuel system.
When you put gas in a diesel truck, it can have disastrous consequences. When gasoline mixes with diesel fuel it’s more prone to ignition, which can lead to uncontrolled detonations within the engine. This can cause issues like sputtering, black smoke from the exhaust and inconsistent ignition, as well as fuel system failure. If it’s not addressed promptly, you may need engine repairs or a full engine replacement.
I Put Gas In My Diesel Truck – Now What?!
If you put gas in your diesel’s fuel tank, it’s best to avoid starting it. Contact us at (253) 854-6762, and we’ll tow your vehicle to the shop so we can drain and clean the tank, replace the filters, and inspect the fuel system. If you’ve already started the engine, shut it off as soon as you’re able; this can help prevent permanent damage to your fuel injectors.
Here are a few tips to help you prevent future misfuelling mishaps:
- Check the label on your fuel cap; it should say “DIESEL ONLY.”
- Add a color-coded label to differentiate between your diesel and gasoline vehicles.
- Match key ring colors to your fuel caps as a reminder.
- Familiarize yourself with the differences between diesel and gasoline pumps and nozzles at the gas station.
Contact Central Avenue Automotive for Reliable Diesel Engine Repair
There’s really no way around it: when you put gas in a diesel vehicle, you’ll need to visit a repair shop. Fortunately, we have decades of experience repairing, servicing, and replacing light diesel engines, including Duramax, Powerstroke, ProMaster, and Cummins. We’ll perform a thorough inspection and take time to explain our recommendations so you can make the most informed decision for your vehicle. To give you even more confidence on the road, we back all repairs with a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty!
Contact Central Avenue Automotive today at (253) 854-6762 to schedule an appointment or arrange towing services.
