Ameer Randolph
Putting diesel fuel in a regular car is a mistake that can lead to serious engine damage. While diesel fuel will not destroy your engine, it may require replacing some parts. The problems you face will depend on how much diesel is in your tank and whether the engine was started. If you do not start the engine, a mechanic will simply need to drain and rinse the gas tank to remove the diesel and its residue. However, if you drive the car with diesel in the tank, further repairs may be necessary.
What happens when diesel is used in a regular car?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency of occurrence | Quite common |
| Risk of damage to the vehicle | Low |
| Fuel injector pump lubrication | Absent |
| Fuel efficiency | Poor |
| Vehicle performance | Drop in performance |
| Engine damage | Possible |
| Fuel contamination | Likely |
| Cost of repairs | High |
| Fuel spread | Touching the ignition can spread contaminated fuel |
| Fuel dilution | Diluting diesel with gasoline is possible but not recommended |
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What You'll Learn
Don't start the engine
It is important to remember not to start the engine if you have accidentally put diesel fuel in a regular car. Starting the engine will draw the diesel further into the fuel system and cause significant damage. Even turning the key to the "on" position can cause the diesel to travel further into the system.
Gasoline engines are not designed to combust diesel fuel, so the engine will shut down after a few miles. Diesel has a thicker consistency than gasoline and can clog up fuel lines, filters, and pumps. It can also cause damage to the catalytic converter, which is responsible for reducing emissions.
If you accidentally put diesel in your car, do not panic. This mistake is quite common, and there is usually little risk of severe damage to your vehicle. The first step is to avoid starting the engine, as this will only make the problem worse.
The next step is to call for assistance. Depending on the situation, you may need to contact a tow truck or a mechanic. It is also important to inform them of the mistake you have made so that they can take the necessary steps to rectify the situation.
In some cases, you may be able to dilute the diesel with gasoline if the mistake is caught early and there is only a small amount of diesel in the tank. However, this is not recommended as it can still cause damage to your vehicle and is not fuel-efficient.
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Risk of damage to fuel lines, filters, and pumps
If you put diesel fuel in a regular car, there is a risk of damage to the fuel lines, filters, and pumps. Diesel has a thicker consistency than gasoline, so it can clog up these components and cause issues with lubrication.
Diesel fuel is marked by a bright green or yellow colour on pump handles to prevent accidental mixing. However, it is not uncommon for drivers to mistakenly fill their tanks with diesel instead of regular gasoline due to human error. If this happens, it is important not to start the engine or even turn the key to the "on" position, as this will draw the diesel fuel into the engine and contaminate the fuel system.
The impact of diesel fuel in a regular car's engine can range from a noticeable drop in performance to severe engine damage. The vehicle may only be able to travel a few miles before the engine shuts down. In some cases, unburned diesel can reach the exhaust system and damage the catalytic converter, which is responsible for reducing emissions.
The cost of repairs from misfuelling can be significant. Replacing the fuel filter and spark plugs alone can cost around $300. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the basic principles of fuel usage and the differences between diesel and gasoline to avoid costly mistakes.
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Potential catalytic converter damage
If you accidentally put diesel fuel in a regular car that is not designed to run on diesel, it is crucial that you do not start the engine. Starting the engine will draw the diesel fuel into the engine, causing damage to the fuel lines, filters, carburettor, and fuel injection system. This will result in a costly repair bill.
While diesel fuel and gasoline are derived from the same source (crude oil or petroleum), they are fundamentally different types of fuel. Gasoline is designed to ignite with a spark from the spark plug, whereas diesel fuel is designed to self-ignite under compression. Diesel fuel is thicker, denser, and oilier than gasoline, and this difference in viscosity can cause issues in a gasoline engine.
The potential issues that may arise from mistakenly filling a regular car with diesel fuel include stalling, misfiring, and engine knocking. The denser diesel fuel can clog up the fuel injectors and spark plugs, causing the vehicle to stall or fail to start.
Now, let's focus on the potential damage to the catalytic converter, a crucial component in modern vehicles responsible for reducing emissions. The catalytic converter serves as a cleaning system, converting harmful exhaust gases into less toxic substances. While diesel fuel in a regular car may not always harm the catalytic converter, there have been cases where unburned diesel reached the exhaust system and damaged this component. This damage can occur either by unburned diesel burning within the catalytic converter or by the substrate becoming coked up. The catalytic converter contains precious metals like gold and platinum, which can melt under excess heat.
If you realise your mistake before starting the engine, do not panic. Mixing diesel and gasoline in the tank is not dangerous by itself. Contact a dealership or local repair shop, and have your vehicle towed to a service centre. A mechanic will drain and rinse the gas tank to remove the diesel fuel and any residue. However, if you have driven with diesel in the tank, additional repairs may be necessary, and the catalytic converter may need to be replaced.
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Diluting diesel with gasoline
Mistakenly putting diesel in a gasoline car is not an uncommon occurrence. This is called misfuelling and can be costly. However, there is usually little risk of damage to your vehicle if you happen to mistakenly fill it with diesel fuel. It is unlikely that this will harm the injectors, seals, or other components. Since the vehicle is not able to run on diesel, you will probably not have to worry about damage to the catalytic converter. Nevertheless, it is important to know what to do in this situation.
Firstly, do not start the engine. This will draw the diesel fuel into the engine. Gasoline engines cannot combust diesel fuel, so you will only be able to travel a few miles before your engine shuts down. If the engine runs, even for a short period, diesel, with its thicker consistency, can gum up fuel lines, filters, and pumps. Unburned diesel can also reach the exhaust system and damage the catalytic converter, the component responsible for reducing emissions.
If you have accidentally mixed gasoline and diesel, the biggest factor is the ratio of diesel to gasoline. Diesel fuel is heavier than gasoline, so it can sink to the bottom of your gas tank, resulting in the injection of both gas and diesel into the intake manifold or the cylinder. Depending on the mix, you can get partially burned diesel fuel, which leaves deposits on pistons, valves, and spark plugs. If enough diesel gets into the cylinder, you can hydro-lock the cylinders, resulting in a blown head gasket, cracked cylinder head, or other serious problems. This diesel fuel in the cylinder can also seep past the piston rings into the oil crankcase, diluting the lubricating oil.
In summary, while it is not advisable to mix diesel and gasoline, doing so is not necessarily a disaster. The key is to act quickly and not turn on the ignition, as this will spread contaminated fuel throughout the system.
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Misfuelling
Putting diesel in a petrol car is less serious but can still cause damage. The engine may start smoking, cut out, or stop. Diesel is thicker and more viscous than petrol, so it can clog and damage a petrol engine's injection system and other components. If you realise your mistake before starting the engine, you should be able to get the tank drained and avoid lasting damage.
Some insurance providers may cover misfuelling in the accidental damage section of the policy, or you may be able to add misfuelling insurance to your current policy at an additional cost. Breakdown cover may also include the cost of towing, draining, and cleaning.
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Frequently asked questions
Diesel and gasoline are different types of fuel, and an engine that operates with one type is not compatible with the other fuel. If you put diesel in a regular car, do not start the engine as this will draw the diesel fuel into the engine. Gasoline engines cannot combust diesel fuel, so the engine will shut down.
If you realise your mistake with a small amount of diesel in the tank, you may be able to dilute the diesel with gasoline. This won't be great for your car, but it's better than the alternative. If you have a large amount of diesel in the tank, do not start the car and call for a tow truck.
If you start the car, the repair bill will grow exponentially. Diesel can gum up fuel lines, filters, and pumps, and unburned diesel can damage the catalytic converter.
Misfuelling is quite common, especially among fleet operators where staff regularly switch between gas and diesel-powered vehicles.
You will need to replace the fuel filter ($200) and the spark plugs ($100).
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