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Gasoline in my new Diesel truck - READ ONLY

17 messages,  Last post on Apr 23, 2003 at 9:34 PM

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What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, Engine, Truck

Messages Page 1 of 2

#1 of 17 Damage estimate? by rfmarsh

Mar 25, 2003 (11:32 am)

I just bought a 2003 Silverado 2500HD with Duramax diesel engine. The dealer put 12 gallons of gasoline in the tank before I drove it off the lot and I drove it about 50 miles home. It wouldn't start after shutting it down so they towed it back to the dealer and concluded that they had topped it off with gasoline.
 
The dealer is telling me that there's no problem. They drained the tank and are now saying I can have it back. I told them that I wouldn't accept it until I get some confirmation from unbiased sources that no damage was done.
 
Any guidance out there?

#2 of 17 I wouldn't take it. by mullins87

Mar 25, 2003 (11:39 am)

You don't know how badly the injectors were damaged by the gasoline. Those injectors rely heavily on the diesel fuel to provide lubrication. Gasoline is a very "dry" fuel and has almost no lubricating properties, that I am aware of. I've never done it, but I've been told that less than a 10% solution of gasoline in diesel will damage the injectors. I can tell you for a fact that water in the fuel will kill injectors in less than 150 miles. Been there, done that and still feeling uneasy about it all.
 
My $.02, I would pick another one off their lot.

#3 of 17 Yep - exactly - by zueslewis

Mar 25, 2003 (11:51 am)

damage to injectors, lift pump, injection pump, etc. Tell them you'll take another one, or call an attorney.

#4 of 17 by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Mar 25, 2003 (1:25 pm)

I'm surprised you got 50 miles. I wonder if the dealer is telling you the whole story here. Didn't the truck run just bloody awful when you drove home?

#5 of 17 Another dealer's comments... by rfmarsh

Mar 25, 2003 (2:12 pm)

I called another dealer and told him what happened. His response: there's definitely damage possible. He recommended I ask specifically for the following from the dealer who made the mistake:
 
1. Visually inspect and replace seals if there is any swelling.
2. Replace the fuel filter and water separator.
3. Flush (not drain) the entire fuel system.
4. Replace the injection pump.
5. Document in writing that you have done the above.
6. Warranty the work for an extended period of time.

#6 of 17 by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Mar 25, 2003 (3:41 pm)

what I was wondering was how much diesel fuel was in the tank before gasoline was added. Since your truck ran 50 miles it's possible there was quite a bit of diesel fuel. I can't imagine a diesel running on straight gasoline for 50 feet much less 50 miles. So maybe there's not so much damage.
 
But you know, you can't take a chance with problems down the line.

#7 of 17 With my F-350... by mullins87

Mar 25, 2003 (4:02 pm)

the tank can have 10 gallons of diesel in it, but the gauge will read near empty. So I can see where the mixture was probably near 50/50. But I agree, I'm surprised the truck ran very well at all.

#8 of 17 I'm surprised the heads didn't blow into the next county by swschrad

Mar 25, 2003 (8:11 pm)

that thing must have been barking like the dog pound by the time you got home.
 
I would be knee-deep in lawyers if that was my truck, wondering how "Schrader Chevrolet" would have looked on the signs. because on a 0-miles brand new truck, I would be figuring on owning the dump by the time I was done.
 
I would say they owe you a complete, brand-new truck minimum, and perhaps a little something in punitive damages.

#9 of 17 damage estimate by p100

Apr 22, 2003 (1:15 pm)

I came across this forum by accident and would like to make a few comments: In order to avoid damage to a diesel engine when running gasoline through it, it must be designed for this purpose. I happen to own an old 69 Army Deuce and a half with a 6 cylinder multifuel diesel. This engine will run on diesel, kerosene, turbine fuel, gasoline, or any comination of these fuels. However, diesel is recommended as the primary fuel and use of other fuels as emergency fuels. This engine has several features that make it suitable for running on gasoline:
 
1. Fuel density compensator built into the diesel injection pump
   
2. Swirl combustion chamber effect caused by specially designed intake manifold
 
3. Built-in hemispherical depressions in tops of pistons to control the fuel burn
 
The engine has 22 to 1 compression ratio and is a true diesel engine. I ran this engine on gasoline only once for about a mile when I accidentally ran out of diesel due to defective fuel gauge, and could not find diesel at the nearest gas station. The engine ran smooth without any adverse effects. (Having a multifuel engine sure comes in handy at times! Pushing a 16,000 lb truck off the road is not an easy task.)
 
I also own an 83 Mercedes 300 SD with a 5 cylinder turbo diesel engine. I would be very concerned with engine damage if I ran gasoline in this engine. In fact, I was told by a mechanic that running gasoline in this engine will surely damage it.

#10 of 17 the military does plan for all contingencies... by swschrad

Apr 22, 2003 (5:54 pm)

contrary to some reports. I would not expect a market price sensitive item like a civilian car to have the expensive additional design factors in its engine that your gruntwagon has.

Messages Page 1 of 2

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