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diesel in my gas tank....?

I am an idiot...

In the freezing snow and sleet last night wonderful New England weather, I needed gas cause I only had about one gallon left, so I decided to stop at a station near my house.

I accidentally put Diesel gas in my 8 cylinder 5.7L 2008 Toyota Tundra... I put 6 gallons in my tank before I even realized it... I then filled the rest up with 15 gallons of regular gas. I know I should not have started the truck, and should have had it drained, but I left my truck running while filling up, cause it was 7 degrees outside. When leaving the gas station, the truck bucked and clunked, and almost stalled a few times. I had to give a lot of gas just to get moving...

I drove around for a few minutes, let the truck run and it seemed to be ok. I have used about 1/3 of the gas in my tank so far, and it is running smooth and ok, a little sluggish but nothing too noticeable. No check engine light has come on.

A few questions.... since it is running ok now, should I be ok for the rest of the gas I have in my tank? Should I run it down to completely empty and then put high grade gas in? I am worried that my truck is running fine now because it is using the regular gas, and the diesel is sitting in the bottom of my tank, and once it gets down low, it will begin to use the deisel and kill my engine.

Does Diesel and unleaded gas not mix? If my truck were to stall, and I have it towed tot he dealership, would it be clearly noticeable to them that there was diesel in my tank?

Please help this idiot out.... its Christmas!!

12 Answers

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  • John M
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    the gas draws from the bottom of the tank, so I think you are okay. do not run it down to empty, instead fill with premium gas (highest octane you can get) when you get down to about half a tank and then refill with your normal gas again every time you get to a half tank for a while before you let it go lower. This will keep diluting the remaining diesel until its no longer any concern.

    I think the reason you got away with this is because you caught it soon enough, and you diluted it right away with the 15 gallons of regular and your truck was running. I'm guessing it may not have started if you had it shut off.

    The main concern will be fouling the fuel injectors and spark plugs, but I do think continuing to dilute the mix of diesel and regular at half a tank will take care of the problem. After a while, you can add some fuel injector cleaner additive if you think you still sense a little bit of under performance.

    I wouldn't mention this to the dealer unless the car has a problem and they can't seem to diagnose it. Even then, perhaps if you have ever lent the truck to a friend, you might wonder if they accidentally topped off with diesel by mistake or something like that. You don't want to admit adding diesel to the fuel system while the truck is under warranty if you can help it, but outright lying to a direct question is a line I wouldn't cross personally.

    Good luck!

    The oil change idea is excellent as well. And the fuel filter replacement. Go to a jiffy lube type of place if you don't do those yourself, but don't take it to the dealer if you can help it. Every problem the truck has for the rest of the time it's under warranty you will be fighting with the dealer if they find out you put diesel in the tank. They'll figure out how to blame you for a bad ball joint if they can!

  • Anonymous
    6 years ago

    This Site Might Help You.

    RE:

    diesel in my gas tank....?

    I am an idiot...

    In the freezing snow and sleet last night wonderful New England weather, I needed gas cause I only had about one gallon left, so I decided to stop at a station near my house.

    I accidentally put Diesel gas in my 8 cylinder 5.7L 2008 Toyota Tundra... I put 6 gallons in my...

    Source(s): diesel gas tank: https://tr.im/GITJv
  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    I would first ask around in your circle of friends if anybody is friends with a trustworthy car mechanic. Some times it requires just changing a few filters and cleaning out some of the lines.

    if you go to the dealership they might make you replace the gas tank and many other things that will easily run you a couple of grand.

    Ask a mechanic to replace your filters and you might be able to fill up your tank to the max to dilute the diesel

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    dear idiot

    put BERRYMANS CHEMTOOL in your tank

    we used this to clean carbs. when i sold car parts

    change your filter after draining your tank if possible

    the two fuels have mixed well so far and seem to be ok

    use tha best GAS your can afford or find

    use the berrymans every other tank and don't let it get passed 1/2 a tank for a long time

    good luck

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  • 1 decade ago

    Your fuel pump pulls from the bottom of the tank first, so it's not going to change. Put some fuel injector cleaner in with your next tank to help clean the carbon build up from the diesel. It will just run a bit sluggish and maybe smoke out the exhaust. Worst case is you burn up a O2 sensor.

  • 1 decade ago

    DON"T let the dealership know about it. They will make you pay for a new engine and fuel delivery system.

    Gas and diesel will mix, but they will separate if left standing for a few day.

    Personally, I'd drive it until you're under 1/4 tank, then fill it up again.

    Or, drain it and fill it back up.

    If you're not having problems, you'll be fine.

  • Shina
    Lv 4
    5 years ago

    diesel gas tank

  • 1 decade ago

    You should probably just call the dealership, fess up and ask them what to do. You may be worrying for nothing or you may toast your engine. In any event they will be able to tell there has been diesel gas in the tank if your truck breaks down because each gas leaves a different chemical signature. Plus the smell is totally different.

  • 6 years ago

    You are not a idiot ...but a accidetal genius. I use 10% in my limousine ,, in my landmower and motorcycle.

    You will experience better going up hill and more power. Very noticeble in high mileage car

    So congratulations...keep doing it but 10% or less.

  • 1 decade ago

    diesel is less filtered so your injectors your fuel pump sock and the filter are going to be filled with black nastey particles that havent been filtered through at the refinerey..if i were you id run a can of seafoam through the tank to clean it out and also change the fuel filter...youll have alot more problems in the future..the pump might go out because the sock is clogged and burn the pump out and the injectors might not put out enough gas..try this..you should be fine

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