You’re in the middle of a lawn mowing session, and you realize you’re running low on fuel. You glance at the jerrycan sitting in the shed – diesel, your trusty backup for the truck. A quick thought crosses your mind: “Could I just use a little bit of diesel in my lawn mower?” We all make mistakes, but this one could have disastrous consequences. This article explores what happens if you put diesel in a lawn mower, the potential damage, and what to do if you accidentally mix fuels.
In short, putting diesel in a gasoline-powered lawn mower is a bad idea. Diesel fuel is thicker and has a different chemical composition than gasoline. It’s not designed to be used in a gasoline engine, and doing so can lead to serious problems, including engine damage, costly repairs, and even a fire hazard.
Why Diesel and Gasoline Don’t Mix
The Chemistry of Fuel
Gasoline and diesel fuel are both hydrocarbons, but they differ in their chemical makeup and how they ignite. Gasoline is a lighter fuel with a lower ignition temperature. It ignites with a spark from the spark plug. Diesel, on the other hand, is a heavier fuel with a higher ignition temperature. It ignites due to the heat and compression within the combustion chamber.
Engine Design Differences
Gasoline engines are built to handle the lighter, more volatile gasoline. They have smaller parts and are designed for a faster burn. Diesel engines are larger and more robust, with a higher compression ratio that’s suited for the thicker, less volatile diesel fuel.
The Consequences of Putting Diesel in a Lawn Mower
1. Fuel System Damage
- Fuel Lines: Diesel’s thicker consistency can clog fuel lines and filters, preventing fuel flow and starving the engine of fuel.
- Fuel Pump: The fuel pump is designed to handle gasoline. The thicker diesel can overwhelm it, causing damage and eventually failure.
- Carburetor: If your lawn mower has a carburetor, diesel can gum it up, preventing proper fuel delivery.
2. Engine Damage
- Engine Seizure: Diesel fuel won’t ignite properly in a gasoline engine, leading to a build-up of unburnt fuel. This can cause a dangerous condition known as “engine knocking”, which can damage pistons and engine components.
- Lubrication Issues: Diesel fuel is not designed to lubricate the delicate parts of a gasoline engine, leading to increased wear and tear.
3. Fire Hazard
Diesel fuel is less volatile than gasoline, but it’s still flammable. A leak or spill from the fuel tank could pose a fire hazard.
What to Do if You Accidentally Put Diesel in Your Lawn Mower
Immediate Action
- Stop the Engine: If you realize you’ve added diesel, stop the engine immediately. Running it further will only worsen the damage.
- Don’t Start the Engine Again: Do not attempt to restart the engine.
Professional Help
- Contact a Mechanic: Call a professional mechanic who specializes in small engine repair. They can assess the damage and advise on the best course of action.
- Drain the Fuel Tank: The mechanic will likely drain the fuel tank and flush the fuel system to remove the diesel.
Important Considerations
- The Amount of Diesel: The severity of the damage depends on the amount of diesel mixed with the gasoline. A small amount might cause less damage, but it’s best to err on the side of caution and seek professional help.
- The Age of the Lawn Mower: Older lawn mowers may be more susceptible to damage from diesel fuel.
Preventing Future Mistakes
- Label Your Fuel Containers: Clearly label your fuel containers with “Gasoline” and “Diesel” to avoid confusion.
- Store Fuel Safely: Store your gasoline and diesel fuel in separate containers and areas to prevent accidental mixing.
- Double-Check: Always double-check your fuel container before pouring it into your lawn mower.
Conclusion
Putting diesel in a lawn mower is a mistake that could lead to significant problems and expenses. While a small amount of diesel might seem harmless, it can cause engine damage, fuel system issues, and even a fire hazard. Always use the correct fuel for your lawn mower and take precautions to prevent accidents. If you do accidentally mix fuels, seek professional help immediately to minimize the damage.
FAQs
Can I use diesel in a gasoline lawn mower?
No, you should absolutely not put diesel fuel in a gasoline lawn mower. The two types of fuel are chemically different and incompatible. Diesel is thicker and less volatile than gasoline, and it’s designed for a different type of engine. Using diesel in a gasoline mower will cause serious damage.
Why is it bad to put diesel in a lawn mower?
Diesel fuel won’t ignite properly in a gasoline engine. It will clog the fuel system, including the carburetor, fuel lines, and injectors. This can lead to engine failure, requiring expensive repairs or even a complete engine replacement. You’ll also likely have a difficult time cleaning out the fuel system, as diesel is notoriously hard to remove.
What will happen if I put diesel in my lawn mower?
If you put diesel in your lawn mower, you’ll likely experience engine problems immediately. The engine may sputter and refuse to start, or it might run roughly and smoke heavily. In some cases, the engine might even seize up completely, requiring a full engine rebuild or replacement.
Can I mix diesel and gasoline in my lawn mower?
Absolutely not! Mixing diesel and gasoline will only worsen the problems. The two fuels are not compatible, and mixing them will likely cause severe damage to your lawn mower’s engine.
What should I do if I accidentally put diesel in my lawn mower?
If you’ve accidentally put diesel in your lawn mower, the best thing to do is to stop using it immediately. Do not attempt to start the engine. Contact a qualified mechanic to have the fuel system drained and cleaned. You may need to have the carburetor and other fuel system components replaced.
What type of fuel should I use in my lawn mower?
Always use the type of fuel specified in your lawn mower’s owner’s manual. Most gasoline-powered lawn mowers require unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher. Be sure to use fresh, clean fuel and store it properly to avoid problems.
Can I use diesel in any type of engine?
Diesel fuel is specifically designed for diesel engines. These engines have a different combustion process than gasoline engines, and they are built to handle the thicker and less volatile diesel fuel. Never attempt to use diesel fuel in any type of engine that is not specifically designed for it.