Gasoline in Diesel

jruss · Jul 9, 2008

Question to any Kubota mechanics out there. I got app. one quarter gasoline in my BX2200, ran app. 3 hrs total before draining and refilling tank with good diesel. Should I continue to run it or should the injector pump be rebuilt and engine gone through?

Seem to run fine now.

atgreene · Jul 9, 2008

It is fine. The only issue with running gas in a diesel engine is lack of lubrication, but that small amount will do no harm.

We had a firefighter pump 20 + gallons of gas into a 40 gallon tank of diesel in one of our fire trucks. The 3208 Cat motor ran fine, we added several bottles of power service and the diesel mechanic said to run it and keep adding fuel as needed. That was over a year ago and it still runs fine.

ultrarunner · Jul 9, 2008

Local Kubota Dealer had a BX with 23 hours on the clock torn down with major engine problems...

The owner let his brother and nephew use it to move loads of landscaping rock one weekend. They ran out of fuel... so the nephew goes and brings back 5 gallons of gasoline...

They ran the tractor till the motor seized...

JoeL4330 · Jul 9, 2008

I would say, no problem ...my old MB 190D specified cutting diesel in winter with small amt of "engine kerosene" or gasoline to avoid gelling ...don't remember the recommended max ratio (which I assumed was to avoid touching it off w. glow plug ...like ether is a no-no) but, anyway, I did it frequently in subzero weather and that engine ran 300,000 plus miles. I think you are okay

jruss · Jul 9, 2008

I should add that how I discovered the problem was that the engine started to lose power and after being shut off for a short time seemed to run fine for about 20 min. then would start to lose power again. Never died, just no power and very slow to increase RPM.

BotaBigot · Jul 10, 2008

Possibly no damage. In general, gas in diesel is a no-no. Kero is OK...it's in the same refinery family as diesel. Gas raises combustion temp and cuts lubrication. Just because one make engine gets away with it doesn't mean they all will, or that it's OK to use gas. For detailed/technical info, "google" the thread title...

Yankee Clipper · Jul 10, 2008

If a small amount is mixed inadvertantly, it likely will go through with minimal damage. If you run straight gasoline, the engine will knock and if continued to run will result in major damage.

Don't mix gasoline in Diesel fuel for any reason - it will damage the injection pump, nozzle and pistons. It can even break the rings and top ring land - same reason ether is a no-no in all Kubota indirect injection engines.

As for cold weather, fuel jobbers blend according to temperature but do not use gas in their blend.

For best results use Diesel #2 or B10 bio Diesel blend as in Operator's Manual.

LBrown59 · Jul 10, 2008

jruss said:
Question to any Kubota mechanics out there. I got app. one quarter gasoline in my BX2200, ran app. 3 hrs total before draining and refilling tank with good diesel. Should I continue to run it or should the injector pump be rebuilt and engine gone through?

Seem to run fine now.

gasoline !
How did that happen????????????

jruss · Jul 10, 2008

I currently have no idea how the gas got into the diesel, but have contacted the station manager and area rep as well as called in to the gas claim hotline for Racetract. Will keep advised as to the outcome.

LBrown59 · Jul 10, 2008

jruss said:
I currently have no idea how the gas got into the diesel, but have contacted the station manager and area rep as well as called in to the gas claim hotline for Racetract. Will keep advised as to the outcome.

Makes me wonder how many others got bad fuel there then.