A couple drops of diesel went into my gas tank?

Tiny
ERP
  • MEMBER
  • 2010 TOYOTA COROLLA
  • 2WD
  • 61,000 MILES
I have the car listed above and got an oil change this January. A couple drops of diesel went into my gas tank (didn’t push the gas pump) and I have over a half of tank of gas already in my car prior to that. Is it safe to drive or what should I do?
Tuesday, April 2nd, 2024 AT 11:26 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,873 POSTS
If you're referring to the amount of fuel left in the nozzle from the last person who used it, there is nothing to discuss. Diesel has a lot of lubricating properties that gasoline does not. It's also much harder to ignite than gasoline is. Beyond that, consider that when we run into a gasoline engine that has been sitting a long time and the piston rings have become rusted to the cylinder walls, we will often remove the spark plugs, then dump in a couple of spoonfuls of diesel fuel to loosen those rusted parts. Once we get the engine running, the burning gas gets the diesel fuel burning, and it goes harmlessly out the tail pipe.

To say that a different way, there's nothing to worry about, even if you put a little diesel fuel in the gas tank.

Many high-mileage, tired engines burn a little engine oil that gets past the piston rings and valve guide seals. That oil is similar to diesel fuel. It may not burn properly, so it shows up as blue smoke from the tail pipe. That oil also doesn't damage the engine.
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Tuesday, April 2nd, 2024 AT 2:57 PM

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