Yes it is possible to put diesel oil in a gas engine, provided that the oil is right in terms of its diesel specification and viscosity. Car diesel oil contains more Zinc Dialkyl Dithiophosphate (ZDDP) than car oil, and this defends the engine.
But does that make diesel oil a good choice for fast cars and hot rods? In order to do that, we have to explore what diesel oils are and how they are different from regular car oils and high-performance oils.
When we speak of Zinc in oil, what we are referring to is ZDDP, which is a component that halts engine wear. Not all ZDDP is the same. There are ways in which scientists can alter the mode of operation of ZDDP in order to safeguard the engine in regard to those conditions.
It operates on what can be described as a self-sacrificing method. That is, it wears out in an effort to protect your engine.
Zinc and Engine Speed
Why is Zinc important? ZDDP, which is found in diesel engine oil, is not the same as that in gasoline engine oil. Diesel revs or speeds greatly differ from that in a gas engine, and this alters the working mechanism of ZDDP to deliver protection to the engine.
Primary ZDDP is in diesel oils, while secondary ZDDP and both primary and secondary ZDDP are present in gasoline oils. In essence, racing oils use only secondary ZDDP. Both types protect the engine, but G/O is established for high-speed engines consisting of heavy parts such as valve springs.
Is more ZDDP better? It becomes very clear that merely increasing the ZDDP content will not result in better protection. However, if there is an excess of ZDDP, then that causes more wear. It would help if you had the right type that can be compatible with your engine; you also need the right amount for your engine.
It’s like Goldilocks: not heavy, not light, but just in between. Further, some of the diesel oils do not contain a higher level of ZDDP than the gasoline oils. That’s why diesel oil can not always be advised for use in gas engines, and its application must be properly discussed.
Anti-Foaming Agents
Engine speed, let’s come back to it. As mentioned above, slow-moving diesel engines can use special chemicals in the oil they are made for. One kind is known as an anti-foam additive.
When the engine is running, the different parts, such as the crankshaft and pistons, beat the oil, and this sometimes causes foam to form. To prevent that, oil companies add the elements of anti-foam.
Oil also contains this in different proportions depending on the type of the oil. General Diesel oils contain significantly lower amounts of anti-foam. Generally, they contain about 5ppm, while racing oils for fast engines contain 10ppm. This difference can also impact your engine performance and health, which can always be a big problem to deal with.
Air actually interferes with the function of oil; therefore, when air gets into the oil, the result is a large-scale problem for the engine, such as bearing failure. Newer engines incorporate the use of oil to regulate parts such as the valves and the power systems. But if the oil has too much air in it – this does not work, which means that these systems may not work.
Detergents and Dispersants
It is increasingly more so with detergents and dispersants because diesels get contaminated. For those of you who own vehicles with a gasoline direct injection, this is a reason enough to take your car in.
Using high calcium detergent in your diesel oil may lead to low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI) that harms your engine. That is why gasoline oils today contain less calcium.
Difference Between Diesel Oil and Gas Oil
Motor oil used in diesel engines is a heavier viscosity oil and, to a certain degree, does not circulate through the engine as freely during periods of cold temperatures as gasoline engine motor oil.
When you use diesel oil in a gasoline engine, it can bring additional issues, such as making the engine hot or wearing out parts. Lubricants contain specific compounds referred to as additives. The different types of oil contain varying amounts and different kinds of additives.
Additionally, diesel engine oil contains many more additives, which make it suitable for bearing with strong pressure inside the engine. However, if you add too much of these ingredients to gasoline oil, the car will drive very poorly.
At the same time, there can be a lot of developments in engine oils, and each of them should be replaced at different intervals. That way, diesel engine oil is able to last longer due to it containing many additives, and one is not forced to change it as often as they would with the unleaded kind.
Why do Some Drivers Choose Diesel Oil Instead of Gasoline Oil?
That is why there are so many factors influencing the choice of oil people decide to use for their needs.
The majority of drivers do not have much preoccupation with oil, and therefore, they decide to buy it based on how dense it is.
Most gasoline engines require 5W-30, and more cars are shifting to 5W-20. As for those types, it’s not hard to come by them. But if you require 5W-40 or 15W-40, for example, your gasoline engine might be easier to find in the diesel oils section.
In some people’s opinion, diesel oil is stronger and better than gasoline oil. They might have been told that diesel oil contains something that gasoline oil does not contain, including better cleaning stuff to cope with dirt in diesel engines. They believe that diesel oil is better for engine protection.
Can You Use Diesel Oil in a Gas Engine?
If you have a strong gasoline engined vehicle which has been highly modified, it would be wise to put in a diesel oil. As for the second option, diesel oil can operate with increased load on the engine in much better ways.
But it is important to note while diesel oil and gas oil have a lot in common, they are not the same thing. It’s always advisable to take a visit to the engine builders and consult them on what they feel is best to do before changing the oils.
And always going with the best oil like those from top companies we have at Fubex Lubricants!
Bottom Line
In short, it boils down to this – if the specific diesel oil is the correct one for the gasoline engine, then it can be used. Even the diesel oil comes with added advantages such as better protection of your engine, it must also come with some disadvantages provided it is wrongly used.
The best practices involve consulting a mechanic before altering anything about your oil. To enhance your engine, try using Fubex Lubricants the best. Enjoy our diesel oil in the silky smooth ride and the warranted safety of your engine.
FAQs
Q1: What immediate effects might I notice if I accidentally use diesel oil in my gasoline engine?
Ans: Putting diesel fuel in a gasoline engine can cause big problems because diesel and gasoline burn in different ways. This can make the engine misfire, run badly, and even break parts of the fuel system, which could cost a lot of money to fix.
Q2: Are there any conditions under which using diesel oil in a gasoline engine might be acceptable?
Ans: You can use diesel engine oil in a gasoline engine if it fits what the engine needs. If your gasoline engine needs oil that follows the API SN standards, you can use diesel oil that also follows those rules. Just make sure the diesel oil is the right thickness.
Q3: What should I do if I’ve already used diesel oil in my gasoline engine?
Ans: If you put the wrong fuel in your car, don’t turn on the engine. Get your car towed to a mechanic so they can empty the tank. If you already started the engine, fixing it will be a lot more expensive.
