[:@] I've loved my 240d for a little over a year and decided to buy another Mercedes diesel... a 1979 300sd. After driving it home about 20 miles, I gathered all the papers in the glovebox and noticed a receipt for 8 gallons of unleaded on the floor of the car. It's dated March 1st. I immediately called the seller...who explained it's either his mother's receipt from gas she put in her car or she may have accidentlly filled the 300sd with unleaded when she borrowed it to go to the store.

I can't tell by sniffing if there is unleaded in the tank. It drove fine, but seemed to be missing very slightly at idle. The tank is half full. I believe it holds 21 gallons. I know sometimes folks in cold climates use a bit of unleaded as an anti-gelling agent, but I think the ratio is a bit over what would be acceptable.

Should I drain the tank? How? Any suggestions?

Also, suggestions for indy MB mechanic (123, 116 Diesel Lover) here in the Phoenix metro area would be great. I just moved here from Seattle...a 1500 mile drive in the 240D.

Thanks so much.

Shawn

 

You wouldn't have made the 20 mile trip if 8 gallons out of the 10.5 currentlyin the tank were unleaded gasoline. If you're really worried you can buy some piece of mind by draining or siphoning the fuel out, but I think you're OK.

Welcome to the MercedesForum, Shawn.

 

Drrty240 is correct you can deal with maybe 33% mixture of gasoline to diesel. i would not try it but certainly not 75%. it is a really good time to calm your paranoia and replace all the filters while your at it. remember march is national replace your power steering filter month, among other things.

 

It's a little scary to find a gas receipt in a diesel a car you just purchased.

I decided if she's running as well as she is then it's probably not full of unleaded. I filled her up with #2 and she running great...I'm thinking it's fine.

Tomorrow I'm going to change the fuel filters, change the oil, and put the correct size battery in.

Thanks for the quick response. I'll let you know how it goes.