Oil & Fuel Gasoline in diesel

Pird · Apr 3, 2005

Gasoline in a diesel.
I picked up the wrong can when filling my diesel YM2210D. I had put in probably less than a quart of gasoline in my tank when I realized I had a gasoline can instead of a diesel can. Do I need to drain the tank and refill with diesel fuel or is it safe to top off with diesel fuel and chalk one up to:
A) Inattention
B) Stupidity
C) Ignorance
D) A senior moment
E) All the above
Please don’t be too cruel with your recommendation.

1danny · Apr 3, 2005

Drain the tank.
Danny

cfoxmd · Apr 3, 2005

Failing to drain the tank puts your engine at risk of severe damage. Who knows how much gas could be tolerated--I wouldn't take the chance.

billbill1 · Apr 3, 2005

Don't risk it, it could cost you-big time.

Partsman2 · Apr 3, 2005

Pird,

As of right now it is just a silly mistake. If you want to keep it at that drain the tank and start over. If you don't it will most likely cost you a bunch of money.

I would also put a neon flashing sign on those diesel cans so I couldn't make that mistake again.

Partsman

Lenarguy · Apr 3, 2005

If there is a shut-off on the bottom of the tank, I would close it immediatley! There is no question the tank needs to be drained, even if there is not enough to damage the cylinders you can trash the fuel pump. The internal components of the fuel pump use the diesel fuel as lubricant, gasoline would do the opposite.
Don't beat yourself up, I have to be a front-runner in stupid mistakes. Humility keeps us grounded and eventually wiser. Good luck and I hope you get the problem resolved with no problems.

JerryG · Apr 3, 2005

I don't know what size of tank that you have, to be able to say is it is safe of not. I do know that years ago, I worked with a man that put gas in his diesel almost everyday. He had about a 90 gallon tank and would put 5 gallon of gas in at least 2-3 times a week.

Pird · Apr 3, 2005

Thanks for all the kind replies. I will drain the tank, bowl, and lines and hope I can get it started ok. I will also lock up my gas can and give my wife the key. I am sure I will not inadvertently ask her if she has gas.

Egon · Apr 3, 2005

A service station attendant once inadvertantly put 7 liters gas in my diesel truck. The tank holds 130 liters. We added some fuel treatment and all turned out okay.

Egon