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I had someone put kerosene in my gas tank of my Dodge Durango. How can I clean it out? Is it safe to drive?
Posted Oct 20th by Linda J Cassity the owner of a Dodge Durango dodge, durango, gas tank

Answers from the Automotive Experts

Lori Johnson, Owner and Instructor at Ladies Start Your Engines You cannot drive the vehicle with kerosene in the tank. If the vehicle has not been driven, you will need to have it towed to a shop where they can drain the gas tank. If the vehicle has been driven, the shop will have to flush the fuel system, drain the tank and then check for any problems it may have caused.
⟩ Answered on Oct 20th, 2006 by Lori Johnson, Owner and Instructor at Ladies Start Your Engines
Amanda J. Pierce, MBA You should have your fuel tank removed and thoroughly cleaned, if you have started the engine with the kerosene, I recommend a full service fuel system flush and fuel filter replacement. Kerosene can damage O2 sensors and exhaust systems.
⟩ Answered on Sep 24th, 2013 by Amanda J. Pierce, MBA "AJ", Certified Mechanic at BizzM3ch Solutions
Amy Mattinat, Owner and Author at Auto Craftsmen Ltd HI Linda, Is it safe to drive? NO!!! Do NOT drive your Durango!!! You need to get it towed to a good automotive service center and have them clean it out. You can not clean it out yourself.
⟩ Answered on Sep 24th, 2013 by Amy Mattinat, Owner and Author at Auto Craftsmen Ltd
Helaine Kurot, Owner/Technician at 360 Automotive Kerosene will cause a gas motor to smoke a lot. Your best bet is to have the tank dropped and cleaned out, along with a fuel injection service to clean out any residual kerosene in the fuel rail/injectors. Also change the fuel filter. In very short periods, it should not cause any permanent damage, but its not something you want to drive on or leave in the tank.
⟩ Answered on Sep 24th, 2013 by Helaine Kurot, Owner/Technician at 360 Automotive

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