help with a diesel question

[Anker]

A little more explanation.

The issue is that diesel acts as a lubricant for the fuel injection system. Pure gasoline will wash the lubricant away and cause extreme wear.

As long as there is enough diesel oil in the gas/diesel mixture to act as a lubricant you won't damage the car.

Of course, its better to be safe than sorry.

I doubt there was any damage to the rental car that started this discussion. 20% gas should have enough lubrication left.

[DoninDel]

I owned a diesel years ago. In the manual was a 'recipe' for emergency use when diesel fuel was not available - it said to add engine oil to the gasoline - I do not remember the ratio.
Diesel fuel is an oil - gasoline 'eats' oil, has no lubricating quality.
The engine may have survived, but gasoline in it certainly did it no good.

[The Radium King]

Originally Posted by Anker

A little more explanation.

The issue is that diesel acts as a lubricant for the fuel injection system. Pure gasoline will wash the lubricant away and cause extreme wear.

As long as there is enough diesel oil in the gas/diesel mixture to act as a lubricant you won't damage the car.

Of course, its better to be safe than sorry.

I doubt there was any damage to the rental car that started this discussion. 20% gas should have enough lubrication left.

the issue is also the temperature of combustion; gas burns hotter. in a vw that may well have aluminum heads on an iron block then you can quickly pop a head gasket when things heat beyond design tolerances (expansion). i killed a diesel rabbit that way many years ago.