What to Do If a Small Amount of Gasoline is Added to a Diesel Engine?

[Correia]

If a small amount of gasoline is accidentally added to a diesel engine, do not start the vehicle under any circumstances. Driving under such conditions may lead to engine malfunction in mild cases or even complete engine failure in severe cases. It is recommended to tow the vehicle to a professional repair shop for cleaning and maintenance. Gasoline must never be added to a diesel vehicle, as diesel and gasoline engines employ different ignition methods, resulting in significant differences in fuel type requirements. Additional Information: 1. Diesel Engine: Diesel engines are known for their high torque and outstanding load capacity, making them the preferred choice for many cargo transport vehicles and rugged off-road SUVs. These advantages stem from the unique ignition and combustion method used in diesel engines. 2. Common ignition methods include spark ignition and compression ignition. Diesel engines utilize compression ignition, where diesel fuel enters the combustion chamber and is ignited primarily by the pressure generated by the piston within the cylinder. This requires a high compression ratio, resulting in greater torque output. Consequently, diesel engines are more powerful than gasoline engines and offer quicker acceleration. 3. Fuel Requirements: Due to the compression ignition method used in diesel engines, the high pressure during operation can easily lead to carbon deposits and soot buildup. Therefore, higher-quality diesel fuel with better cleanliness is required to mitigate these issues. However, gasoline has low-temperature sludge dispersing properties, and its ignition point is approximately 200 degrees higher than that of diesel. This means the pressure generated by the piston during operation cannot ignite gasoline as effectively as diesel, leading to increased sludge formation and potential damage to the engine itself.