Gasoline vs. Diesel an error in the making

[baz]

Several years ago I'm reminded that my daughter inadvertently pumped several gallons of gasoline into our turbo charged diesel engine auto. She called me and asked what to do. I will not explain here what I ended up doing to resolve the issue. This reminder has called to my attention about a similar mistake that could be made when at the fuel dock with my boat. I don't think I would make the mistake, but a family member might at some time.

So, I ask the question... if several gallons (let's say no more than 5 gallons) of gasoline were to be pumped into the boat's tank before the mistake was realized how would others resolve this accident ?

In fact, has any person experienced this happening ?

 

[knotflying]

Go to this link http://alternativefuels.about.com/od/di ... diesel.htm . It explains the damage that can be done by having gas added to diesel fuel. The upshot is check before you fill, which is easier than draining the tank.

 

[JamesTXSD]

Bad situation. Pump the tank. Even a small bit of gasoline in diesel can cause big problems (diesel uses compression, gas uses spark). There have been situations at BP stations, where they use a green pump handle for unleaded premium gas and yellow handles for diesel... and most of the rest of the country uses green handles for diesel.

Your boat should say "DIESEL" on the fuel cap. Driving diesel boats for work and gas for personal, I make it a point to say "Diesel" out loud as a reminder. (Yes, "gas" when on our C-Dory 😉 )

If you are letting family use the boat, make sure they repeat "Diesel" and tell them that it will be a VERY expensive mistake that they will be responsible for if they mess it up.