Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) E85 Biodiesel Problem - help

[tmcIlwain]

Yesterday my wife filled (topped off) our tank with 12 gal of E85 Biodiesel from a local Sheetz store. We have never knowingly bought biodiesel before.

She had about 20 miles to come home and about half way she started loosing power and the exhaust started blowing a lot of white smoke. I'm afraid to drive it!



What happened, what damage may have occured, and what are the solutions.



PS- Last week I changed oil and also changed the fuel filter, so that is almost new.

 

[georgej]

I thought E 85 was a blend of ethanol and gasoline, if that is what was put in the tank you'll have to drain it out and hope for the best. Run the lift pump to flush the lines and drain the fuel filter housing and replace the fuel filter again.

 

[tmcIlwain]

I thought E 85 was a blend of ethanol and gasoline, if that is what was put in the tank you'll have to drain it out and hope for the best. Run the lift pump to flush the lines and drain the fuel filter housing and replace the fuel filter again.

Oh, s**t! I just checked wife's gas receipt and it is E85 and you are correct!

I 'assumed' that it was biodiesel mix, but she goofed big time!



I've now called AAA for a tow to my nearby shop! I hope the 20 miles she drive didn't damage my FASS lift pump and especially my V44 fuel pump!



Thanks for spotting that it was gas not diesel. My wife is in tears.

Tom

 

[S.Morris]

If it was still 1/2 full when she filled it might not be so bad.



I can tell you that we make several calls a year to stations where they have put gas in diesel and even some diesel in gas, but these were caught before refueling process was completed and engines started.



I have run several gallons of diluted diesel through my old corolla runabout with 450000km on it ( 3 or 4gal at a time to gas). It will ping a bit and crank a few more times to start if mix gets a little strong:-laf. Have to get rid of it somehow so the containers are empty for next mistake



This old Corolla has been the most trouble free vehicle I have ever owned. Even has original clutch and exhaust still.

 

[tmcIlwain]

If it was still 1/2 full when she filled it might not be so bad.

I have my fingers crossed. The tow truck just picked it up.



Now is not the time to have V44 trouble (not that there is a good time) as we are planning on a 4 month trip to Alaska with our 5th wheel next year. I'd sure hate to have trouble out of the US or in AK.

We've got 160,000 and counting... but the V44 was already replaced years ago under warantee. Then I added a fuel gage and eventually the FASS pump.

I have debated getting a new 6. 7, but we hate to take a new truck to AK plus the expense.



Tom

 

[georgej]

I think your truck will be fine so thank your wife for the thought to fill up the Dodge. When they get it running take her out for dinner.

 

[tmcIlwain]

I think your truck will be fine so thank your wife for the thought to fill up the Dodge. When they get it running take her out for dinner.

Yup, what is done is done (except for paying the bill :-laf)



I've worried for the last 11 years about 'gassing' my truck as we RV'd around the country, since I fuel up 99% of the time, and then this happens in my back yard. Oh well.

In hind sight, she should have been more watchfull when she spotted a yellow handle, but I've seen all kinds of colors, not just the green we expect.



Thanks for spotting the problem, George!



Tom