In the past - say until the 1970s - it was not unusual to make diesel engines winter-proof by mixing some gasoline with the diesel.
With our classics, we will not do that often anymore, or you must be an avid off-road driver who celebrates camping weekends in the snowy Ardennes with his Laro or Toyota.
PETROL IN DIESEL (as winter protection)
In the past there was sometimes a reason to add gasoline to the diesel or to allow it (blindly) in certain cases. Some automobile manufacturers recommended adding gasoline to the diesel even in the winter to improve frost protection. As a result, the flash point of diesel oil falls below the legal standards!
The technology of the more modern diesel engines no longer allows mixing of diesel with gasoline. This has everything to do with the fact that, due to mixing with gasoline, diesel oil becomes too poor and the fuel injection systems, which are also lubricated by the diesel, are destroyed!
Too poor diesel oil will almost certainly cause damage in or to the engine. This is indicated by automobile manufacturers themselves and they very much forbid the use of diesel which is mixed with gasoline, no matter how low the content of gasoline is.
You will understand that there are (older) diesel engine types that will not be directly damaged by this fuel mix. However, it requires knowledge to be able to assess this, making it impossible to make exceptions for certain types. That is why we strongly advise against allowing the mixing of diesel fuel, consciously or unconsciously, in any proportion.
In practical terms, it comes down to the following: if one has received gasoline in his diesel oil tank, one should immediately call in a professional body, such as the dealer or an emergency service, and not drive or start any further.
A memory from the past as a closing: Around 1965 the neighbor wanted to start his bulldozer in the well of the winter. He poured a lot of gasoline into the air filter and turned on the engine. He started immediately, made a quick tour like an enthusiastic Ferrari and then finally gave the pipe to Maarten ...
So Ardennes-goers: Do not use gasoline in diesel engines!
LOVER
In the past - say until the nineties - it was not unusual to winterize diesel engines by mixing gasoline with diesel oil. The problem was that diesel oil flaked into pipes and filter. This problem was solved by the production companies some 20 years ago.
If you, nowadays, also want to take to the road in the winter months with your diesel-engine-driven oldtimer (make sure you observe your holder's board tax rules), mixing yourself no longer has any advantage. On the contrary, only cons. The diesel oil becomes too lean (can 'cut' in parts of the injection pump) and can ignite too early (sort of knocking). You will think; with a classic through the winter months, aren't they in the garage with a blanket over them? No, there are still those rally drivers, truck and 4 × 4 boys who just want to chug around to eg the Ardennes!
If one has (accidentally) refueled in the diesel tank of the old-timer, drain fuel or mix it with diesel oil until a ratio of 80 percent diesel and 20 percent gasoline has been achieved. Or call in an emergency service. A memory from the past as a closing: Around 1965 the neighbor wanted to start his bulldozer in the well of the winter. He poured a lot of gasoline into the air filter (works as a StartPilot with nitro!) And started the engine. He started immediately, made a quick tour like an enthusiastic Ferrari ('pelts' like a madman) and then finally gave the pipe to Maarten ... (where. Holes in piston bottoms, bearing shells out, connecting rods bent!)
So Ardennes-goers: Do not use gasoline in diesel engines!
mvg marine
Thank you for your contribution and have fun in the Ardennes!
Dolf Peeters / AMK