What to Do if You Accidentally put Diesel in Your ATV

Accidentally putting diesel fuel into an ATV can be a very costly mistake. It’s easy to do when you are in a rush and grab the wrong nozzle at the gas station. If this happens, don’t panic—there are some steps you can take to get your ATV running again. Let’s take a look at what you should do if you find yourself in this situation.


Step 1: Drain the Fuel Tank
The first step is to drain all of the diesel fuel from your ATV’s fuel tank. Start by locating the drain plug and removing it so that all of the diesel can be drained out. Once the fuel tank is empty, use a rag or paper towels to wipe away any remaining residue inside the tank, then replace the drain plug.

Step 2: Change the Oil and Filter
Next, you need to change both your oil and filter to remove any contaminants that may have been introduced by putting diesel fuel into your ATV’s engine. Disconnect your ATV’s oil filter from its housing and discard it in an appropriate container. Then pour new oil into your engine until it reaches its full capacity. Finally, reattach the new filter and ensure it is securely tightened before moving on to Step 3.

Step 3: Refill with Regular Unleaded Fuel
Now that all of the diesel has been removed from your ATV, it’s time to fill up with regular unleaded gasoline. Make sure not to overfill your ATV as this could cause damage to its engine if too much pressure builds up inside of it. After filling up with regular unleaded gasoline, start up your engine and let it run for a few minutes so that it has time to warm up and adjust itself accordingly before taking off on any rides!

If you are wondering what fuel you should be using, check out this article we wrote:

What Gas Should You Put in Your ATV


Accidentally putting diesel fuel into an ATV can seem like a nightmare come true—and while there is no denying that this error can lead to big expenses down the road, there are ways that you can avoid costly repairs by following these three simple steps! By draining all of the diesel from your tank, changing both your oil and filter, and refilling with regular unleaded gasoline, you will be able to get back on track quickly without having to worry about long-term damage or expensive repairs! The next time you visit a gas station for a fill-up make sure you double check which nozzle you’re using!

Owen McLeod

I'm Owen, a lifelong ATV enthusiast who turned my passion into a platform to share knowledge and tips about all things ATVs, from gear and engines to racing and trail riding.

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