According to KTVN Channel 2 News on 5.15.2025: “New details on a story we brought you yesterday. Drivers told us they had car issues after filling up at a gas station in Yerington. Today we spoke with Golden Gate Petroleum which told us its corporate office will pay for damage done to people’s cars (determining legitimate claims). Golden Gate Petroleum said that last Friday, May 9th, the delivery driver mistakenly put diesel fuel in a hose that was intended for regular unleaded. This resulted in people (unknowingly) putting diesel in their cars. The gas station learned about the mistake the next morning and took steps immediately to correct it, they say, including closing the station. People can submit claims to Golden Gate Petroleum Corporate Office.”
Customers at the Yerington Golden Gate franchise (whose cars were damaged last Friday, May 9th, after unknowingly filling up with diesel from a regular unleaded pump) were extremely distressed, as were Yerington employees of the Golden Gate. Customers reported immediate financial stressors related to towing costs; mechanical repairs; monthly car payments for a car they couldn’t use; transportation to work, school, medical appointments; and more. One customer stated that they had their inoperable car towed to Wild West Chevrolet (located 1/2 mile from the Golden Gate Gas Station on Goldfield Avenue in Yerington) and had to purchase a car at Wild West so they could continue on their trip to Southern Nevada.
Journalist Chris Hardesty wrote for Kelly Blue Book (kbb.com) in February of 2025:
“Diesel and gasoline are different types of fuel, and an engine that operates with one type isn’t compatible with the other fuel. So, what happens when you put diesel in a gas tank? Just putting diesel fuel into a gasoline car is bad enough. Attempting to drive a vehicle with diesel in a gas engine will cause it to stall as soon as diesel reaches the intake system, potentially clogging the fuel lines and damaging the engine…”
“Diesel is thicker than gasoline, and the more viscous fuel can clog and damage a gas engine’s injection system and other components.
- Immediate engine problems. Depending on how much diesel entered the gas tank and whether the engine was started, the diesel will clog the fuel injectors and spark plugs. The vehicle may misfire, stall, or not start at all.
- Clogged fuel system. Diesel, with its thicker consistency, can potentially gum up fuel lines, filters, and pumps if the engine runs even for a short period.
- Catalytic converter damage. Unburned diesel can reach the exhaust system and damage the catalytic converter, the component responsible for reducing emissions.
What to Do if You Put Diesel in a Gas Tank
“If you catch yourself putting diesel in a gas car, here’s what to do (and not do):
- Do not start the engine. It’s crucial to keep the diesel in the tank and not let it into the fuel lines and cause damage.
- Do not panic. Mixing the two fuels is not, by itself, dangerous.
- Immediately call a dealership or local repair shop. Arrange for an emergency tow to get your vehicle to the service center.
“A mechanic will drain and rinse the gas tank to remove diesel and its residue. If you didn’t start the engine, that’s the only service necessary. However, additional work may be needed if you had driven with diesel in the gas tank. If you ran the engine until it stalled, technicians will likely:
- Flush the fuel line. Typical cost: $200, depending on the vehicle and labor rates in your region.
- Service the fuel injector system. $250 for servicing, $1,200 or more if replacement is needed.
- Check the fuel pump for damage. $1,200 for replacement.
- Replace the fuel filter. $200 for replacement.
- Replace spark plugs. $100 for replacement.”
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