Unleaded in my Diesel

srobo50 · 03-04-2010, 04:51 PM

While travelling back from a great trip up north to watch some of the Winter Games, we stopped in Oregon (where you can't pump your own fuel) to get fueled up. The attendant, unbeknownst to us, put unleaded in our diesel. I have a 2008 6.0 SMB and needless to say, it didn't like that very much. We got about a mile down the road and the engine started to lurch. I immediately pulled over, looked at the receipt and noted the UNL printed on it. We had the rig towed, the unleaded siphoned out, the service shop added some oil to richen what was left and then filled with diesel.

The van seems to be running fine, but my fuel economy being reported on my Scanguage is much lower than it was. I think I may have fouled fuel filters. Any thoughts?

wanderer351 · 03-04-2010, 04:57 PM

I would finish that tankfull and change the filters...you probably cooked your glowplugs thou...I know the older diesels would smoke the plugs if you put too much unleaded in them (unleaded is used in the colder regions to keep the fuel from jelling)

saline · 03-04-2010, 05:00 PM

Without a doubt change the fuel filters. Also make sure that the gas station is aware of the incident etc. I believe that regular fuel can really take a toll on the finicky 6.0L injector$.

Ford_6L_E350 · 03-04-2010, 05:02 PM

First, get a label saying 'DIESEL' or 'DIESEL ONLY' on put it near the filler cap to prevent this from happening.

Now that it has happened:

- Did you go back to the station and file a claim or even notify them? Did they pay to have the fuel siphoned, etc? Are they ready if you have to claim for hidden damage?

- I would worry about the fuel injectors. Unleaded is not a good lubricant and the injectors need lubrication. Have a dealer test the injectors.

- I would have a similar concern about the fuel pump. Have the dealer check the fuel pressure. Your injectors need pressure above 46psi.

- Because the injectors need fuel pressure to prevent failure, a bad filter will reduce fuel pressure, just replace the filters. It needs to be done every 15K anyway.

Chances are you will be ok. But, do the above for both peace of mind and to allow you to get any damage repaired before it gets very, very expensive.

Mike

srobo50 · 03-04-2010, 05:23 PM

Thanks for the quick response.

The gas station did pay for all towing, removal of the UNL and a new tank of diesel. I will take the van to my local dealer and have the fuel filters replaced as well as have the injectors examined. I still have the contact info for the station so I can let them know of the additional charges.

I am definitely getting more "signage" on and around the gas cap to ensure this doesn't happen again.

Thanks.

**BroncoHauler** · 03-04-2010, 05:36 PM

I've read, but unconfirmed, that gas can damage the injectors in a diesel engine. Don't sign-off on any waiver or release from the gas station.

Herb

bitburger · 03-04-2010, 07:08 PM

Does anyone have a source for decal signage that looks professional?
Diesel only or the equivalent?

I haven't had problems in Oregon but almost did the same thing to myself in Canada where
the green handles don't mean diesel....

jage · 03-04-2010, 07:41 PM

This: http://www.dieselprotector.com/
also protects from people who can't read (or don't bother)

Get me two while you're at it.

carringb · 03-04-2010, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bitburger

Does anyone have a source for decal signage that looks professional?
Diesel only or the equivalent?

I haven't had problems in Oregon but almost did the same thing to myself in Canada where
the green handles don't mean diesel....

I think BP stations colors gasoline handles green, and diesel yellow.

FWIW - in Oregon, diesel drivers do have the option to fuel their vehicles.

bitburger · 03-05-2010, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jage

This: http://www.dieselprotector.com/
also protects from people who can't read (or don't bother)

Get me two while you're at it.

Jage,

This was a good pointer. It's a better idea than a decal.

I wrote them and they provided a few more details. I had some questions if nozzles were the same size in Canada and Mexico especially since I've been given gas out of a milk jug as well as a 50 gallon drum in Mexico:-) His response below said I'd be fine.

Regular price is $15.95 ordered from the web site.

I think I'll order one.

Thanks.

-Mark

--------
Hi Mark,

The diesel protector is designed to handle both diesel pump nozzles,small gas stations and the large truck stop nozzles. It is in use in the US, Mexico and Canada. I do sell wholesale to any single order of 20 or more at 12.95 each. If you are interested just watch the videos on our website (dieselprotector.com) to make sure the diesel protector will fit properly into the filler neck of your vehicles because I do believe that the Econoline van in 2005 had down sized the filler tube so you couldn't fuel up at the big truck stops and would not except the large pump nozzles. The diesel protector is 1 1/2" dia x 3" long so your filler must have a 1 1/2" diameter opening when you remove you fuel cap. I hope I answered your questions.

Thanks!

Mark