Gas in Diesel Redivivus...funny story - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

shertex · #1 09-14-2013, 05:54 PM

Several years ago I posted the story of my daughter, then about 23, filling my 92 300D (under her care in VA at the time) with gasoline. She left this teary-eyed voice mail about how the car had just died on her...sob sob sob...."and by the way, Dad, this is NOT one the best engines ever made!" (I had told her about the great car she had the privilege of driving). It was only when the mechanic took a look at the car that she realized her mistake.

Fast forward about five years. The same car is being entrusted to my son who's off to college this year. On several occasions I said, "Now Ryan, now that you're the one filling up the tank, you need to always MAKE SURE that's it's diesel, not gas." His response every time was, "Dad, I'm not an idiot." I would say something to the effect of, "Ryan, I know you're not an idiot...but neither is Jennifer....people make mistakes. I'm just trying to help you avoid a very expensive mistake."

The phone rang late this afternoon....it was my son....you know the rest of the story.

ROLLGUY · #2 09-14-2013, 08:23 PM

If they realized that they put gas in instead of Diesel BEFORE starting the car, it can be fixed. However, if the car is driven any length of time, well, you know the rest

shertex · #3 09-14-2013, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROLLGUY

If they realized that they put gas in instead of Diesel BEFORE starting the car, it can be fixed. However, if the car is driven any length of time, well, you know the rest

No, it can be fixed after driving a bit. My daughter drove 10 minutes before it died. Mechanic drained tank, purged lines, replaced filters, and car has been fine for 50,000 miles. Of course it remains to be seen if there was any damage this time....I guess it's the injectors that can be harmed.

ROLLGUY · #4 09-14-2013, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shertex

No, it can be fixed after driving a bit. My daughter drove 10 minutes before it died. Mechanic drained tank, purged lines, replaced filters, and car has been fine for 50,000 miles. Of course it remains to be seen if there was any damage this time....I guess it's the injectors that can be harmed.

Well I guess you were one of the lucky ones. I have heard horror stories of melted pre-chambers, and pistons.

shertex · #5 09-14-2013, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROLLGUY

Well I guess you were one of the lucky ones. I have heard horror stories of melted pre-chambers, and pistons.

I was worried sick the first time it happened....some forum members held my hand and it worked out OK. Did Gasoline in Tank for 25 Miles Do Damage?

shertex · #6 09-14-2013, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROLLGUY

Well I guess you were one of the lucky ones. I have heard horror stories of melted pre-chambers, and pistons.

But now you've got me scared again!

eatont9999 · #7 09-14-2013, 11:57 PM

I would be more apt to put Diesel in a gas car. I can't remember the last time I put gasoline in a car. It must have been my mom's car when I visited last July.

Gasoline will per-detonate in a Diesel engine. It would be like adjusting your timing to an extremely advanced position. Low power and a lot of heat are the result. If you beat the engine to the point where it stops running, you likely have some serious problems. It also depends on the concentration.

Skid Row Joe · #8 09-15-2013, 12:31 AM

Must be awful to experience. 22+ years ago I sold a diesel to a guy that then resold it to a guy that filled-up in Texarkana going east with a full tank of gasoline. It can happen to anyone, under the right circumstances, I guess.

ROLLGUY · #9 09-15-2013, 01:15 AM

If the truth be known, I run gasoline in my Diesel all the time! The rest of the truth is that mixed with veg oil, gasoline makes a great Diesel substitute.....

cooljjay · #10 09-15-2013, 01:42 AM

Isn't the easiest way to make sure you fill up with diesel.....is to grab the green handle?

I had one gas car in my fleet of 6....when it was time for a fill up, I always went for the green handle.....then I caught myself.....always was a phobia.....

Stretch · #11 09-15-2013, 01:53 AM

The green handle here is unleaded petrol - so watch out if you're on holiday in Europe!

On modern diesels the biggest casualty is the injector pump - diesel helps to lubricate it whilst petrol helps to clean it a bit too much...

tjts1 · #12 09-15-2013, 02:12 AM

I'll just leave this right here.
Fifth Gear, Wrong fuel type. - YouTube

Codifex Maximus · #13 09-15-2013, 02:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stretch

The green handle here is unleaded petrol - so watch out if you're on holiday in Europe!

On modern diesels the biggest casualty is the injector pump - diesel helps to lubricate it whilst petrol helps to clean it a bit too much...

Yeah, I don't see how gasoline could predetonate in a diesel seeing as how it hasn't been injected yet. I wouldn't assume, either, that all the gas was burned last cycle or that the injectors wouldn't prepop though with gas having a different viscosity and or gassification temp/pressure.

All in all, it's definitely NOT a good thing. I would surely be afraid for my injection pump and injectors.

Hope your engine suffers no damage.

shertex · #14 09-15-2013, 04:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cooljjay

Isn't the easiest way to make sure you fill up with diesel.....is to grab the green handle?

I had one gas car in my fleet of 6....when it was time for a fill up, I always went for the green handle.....then I caught myself.....always was a phobia.....

Sometimes green handle is gas.

t walgamuth · #15 09-15-2013, 05:43 AM

Yeah, My lovely daughter #3 took fuel from a green handle and it was gas. The car had half a tank of diesel in it so it ran well enough that she drove about a hundred miles before it would not go any more....scored cylinders, and many other issues. Junked a brand new freshening of the engine.

That one also drove my 64 Stude through my garage door hitting my old Ferrari and knocking it off the jack stands after the front brakes failed. I had asked her to come home early so I could replace the MC because I knew the rear only were working but she had forgotten something at school and drove it back there and then back home. She knew something was wrong with the brakes but still charged up to the garage like they were fine.....

She is a great lady and has three little ones and a nice husband now. I did make her pay half the cost of the engine replacement though.