Diesel Fuel Damage to Gasoline Engine
This weekly feature for Warranty Direct about car repair and maintenance is written by Tom Torbjornsen, the popular host of America’s Car Show on satellite radio. Below are some recent Q&A from the America’s Car Show email bag.
Dear Tom,
Two weeks ago I inadvertently filled my 2004 Toyota Camry’s gas tank with half a tank of diesel fuel. The dealer drained and cleaned the tank and replaced the spark plugs and air filter. The day after I got the car back, the “check engine light” came on, and the dealer said the catalytic converter was gummed up and should be replaced, along with the oxygen sensors. I haven’t had this work done yet. Is it necessary since the car is running well (and there is no rotten-egg smell)? It would cost me over $2,000. Yikes!
Patricia from Vera Cruise, CA
Patricia,
First and foremost, next time you fill up make sure the pump nozzle fits into your gas tank filler-neck before pulling the pump nozzle trigger. The diesel nozzle is larger than the gasoline nozzle; therefore it can’t possibly fit into your gas tank filler-neck. As for the lit check engine light, try running the vehicle for a few weeks in an effort to burn any remaining diesel fuel out of the system. Then have the system reset to see if the light stays off. If it doesn’t, you have done irreversible damage to the catalytic converter and O2 sensor/s and they will have to be replaced. If you don’t like the price quoted at the dealer, get a couple more estimates from reputable independent shops. Good luck to you.
Tom
Dear Tom,
I might purchase a ‘94 Caprice with a 350 engine. The car has only 65K miles on it. Are these generally good cars? This one was used as an unmarked police car and sold to an elderly man in a small town. It is really clean and like new. They’re asking $5,000. Your thoughts?
Carlo from Youngstown, NY
Carlo,
If I had to cite a weakness on these engines (not the car; overall the car is great), I would have to point to the soft camshafts. The cams in these engines are prone to wearing prematurely. If this was in fact a police car, the engine might be a high performance engine, which would probably have a hardened steel cam and crankshaft. Run the numbers on the engine before buying to verify this. And, as always, have a Carfax Report and a pre-purchase inspection done by a trusted tech prior to plunking down the cashola. Good luck.
Tom
Dear Tom,
My girlfriend drives a 2006 Subaru (a turbo model). The manufacture says the car must use high-test gas to run properly. Is this true? Or can she use regular gas without damaging the engine?
Robert from Dallas
Robert,
Prolonged use of regular gas in an engine designed to use high-test gas will damage the engine over time. A condition called pre-ignition occurs. When the low octane fuel enters the combustion chamber, it pre-ignites before the top of the compression stroke when ignition is supposed to occur. Pre-ignition damages the tops of pistons, face of cylinder heads, and valves. Advise your girlfriend to run the high test; it’s cheaper than engine repair/replacement.
Tom
Dear Tom,
I own a ‘97 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 180,200 miles. I have kept up on every oil change since my mom gave it to me, but it’s possible that she let it go roughly 3 years without any oil change at all. Lately, I hear an obnoxious clicking noise coming from the engine. It’s really bad when I first start the vehicle. However, when I put it in drive and start accelerating, the sound either goes away and/or it just not as noticeable. Then, when I put it back into park, I can hear the noise quite well again. I am guessing it has something to do with the pistons because it is a fast click. What could be causing the noise, and what you think I should do?
Sandi from Bronx, NY
Sandi,
It could be rod knock inside the engine or it could be an exhaust leak. Open the hood and locate the origin of the noise. Is it coming from the exterior of the engine or from inside the engine? If it is from the exterior, check the exhaust flange where the pipe connects to the exhaust manifold, and check the exhaust manifold itself. It could be a bad flange seal at the pipe, or a blown manifold gasket, or a cracked manifold. If the noise is coming from the inside of the engine, then I would start with an oil pressure test and proceed from there with partial engine disassembly and inspection. Good luck!
Tom
Dear Tom,
I own a 6-year-old 2002 Ford Escape with only 23,000 miles. The moon roof went out so I contacted Ford, but the warranty had run out. The cost of the repair is $1600! Should I pay for it? Ford said it was my fault and I say it was the their fault. Am I right?
Buddy from Sunnyvale, CA
Buddy,
There’s not much you can do other than appeal to the local Ford Zone Rep. Call Ford customer service and contact the Zone Rep directly, because they have the authority to make a decision. Sometimes they are willing to pay for part of the repair. If you have to pay for it or part of it, then get a couple of estimates for the repair and then make your decision. I think you will find that the dealer offers the cheapest deal and the best warranty. Best to you.
Tom
‘‘Til next time…Keep Rollin’
For more articles by Tom Torbjornsen, visit AMERICA’S CAR SHOW web site: www.americascarshow.com
Tom Torbjornsen is an automotive expert of 37 years. An automotive journalist in good standing with the IMPA (International Motor Press Association), Torbjornsen is the Repair and Maintenance Editor for AOL Autos, Edmunds.Com, At Home Portals and many other websites. Torbjornsen is the auto expert of record for Channel 4 WIVB TV, Western New York’s CBS affiliate. Hear his radio show AMERICA’S CAR SHOW, on the Sirius XM Satellite Radio Channel – Stars Too – Sirius 108 and XM 139; Sunday nights – 10PM – Mid EST. Send your car questions to his website at: www.americascarshow.com
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Filed under: Americas Car Show, Auto News, Car Repair Claims Process, Dealership Car Warranties, Maintenance, Vehicle repairs, Warranty Direct
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