H5-Phil
Well-known member
I'm hoping this post might help others if they find themselves in our situation. I'm about 4-years into owning my first diesel truck. My worries about grabbing a gas pump out of habit, have greatly diminished. My fears of putting DEF in my fuel tank had likewise diminished - I was feeling good that I had avoided the rookie mistakes of a new diesel owner. I should have never let my guard down!
Last Friday, I planned to fuel and add DEF (in that order) to my truck since I was getting low on both. My plans changed when I noticed an auto parts store on the way to get fuel. With my brain disengaged, I grabbed a box of DEF and proceeded to remove my diesel cap. I added all 2.5 gallons to my diesel tank!! Yep, only when I went to put my 'DEF' cap back on did I suddenly realize my blunder.
Here's what I hope might help others that find themselves in this situation. Luckily, I didn't turn my key on or try to start my truck. This was critical to keeping the DEF isolated to the fuel tank. Most importantly, an expert diesel mechanic happened to be in the auto parts store. He immediately crawled under my truck and drained my fuel filter, he also disabled my fuel pump by pulling the fuse. He explained that simply turning the key could have sent contaminated fuel to my fuel system! He said starting it would have been disastrous.
With the fuel pump disabled, I was able to turn the ignition on, allowing me to put my truck in neutral and to straighten the wheels for loading on the flatbed tow truck. That mechanic saved me thousands of dollars and charged me nothing!!
The total estimate for repair, since the DEF is isolated to the fuel tank, is only $900.00!! Had I turned the key to the on position, or worse yet tried to start my truck, this estimate would be thousands more.
As far a being stranded, we're staying at a coastal RV park and they can extend our stay until the truck is ready . So, we're stranded in a nice place.
Last Friday, I planned to fuel and add DEF (in that order) to my truck since I was getting low on both. My plans changed when I noticed an auto parts store on the way to get fuel. With my brain disengaged, I grabbed a box of DEF and proceeded to remove my diesel cap. I added all 2.5 gallons to my diesel tank!! Yep, only when I went to put my 'DEF' cap back on did I suddenly realize my blunder.
Here's what I hope might help others that find themselves in this situation. Luckily, I didn't turn my key on or try to start my truck. This was critical to keeping the DEF isolated to the fuel tank. Most importantly, an expert diesel mechanic happened to be in the auto parts store. He immediately crawled under my truck and drained my fuel filter, he also disabled my fuel pump by pulling the fuse. He explained that simply turning the key could have sent contaminated fuel to my fuel system! He said starting it would have been disastrous.
With the fuel pump disabled, I was able to turn the ignition on, allowing me to put my truck in neutral and to straighten the wheels for loading on the flatbed tow truck. That mechanic saved me thousands of dollars and charged me nothing!!
The total estimate for repair, since the DEF is isolated to the fuel tank, is only $900.00!! Had I turned the key to the on position, or worse yet tried to start my truck, this estimate would be thousands more.
As far a being stranded, we're staying at a coastal RV park and they can extend our stay until the truck is ready . So, we're stranded in a nice place.