Hi,

I filled up with diesel today at the truckstop, and because I had a lot of things on my mind, I stupidly forgot to close the cap and door. I cant believe I did that, but I did...

So I drove home 14mi on the interstate. Finally, when I was walking away from my car I noticed that the door was open and cap off. I also noticed that diesel was splattered all over the side of the car.

I closed it immediately, and went right away to wash it off.
I washed and washed and washed, and there always appears to be more of the sheen of the fuel on the rubber parts and the trim line rearward of the fuel door.

Fortunately it wasnt raining, but, whats the chance that i contaminated my tank? Timewise it wasnt more than 20-25 minutes.

Will the diesel on my paint/rubber harm either thing? I wasned a lot, so should i be OK to just leave it and let rain take care of the rest, or am I putting it into a position that the finish and rubber could be harmed?

Thanks

JMH

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Current Diesels:
1981 240D (73K)
1982 300CD (169k)
1985 190D (169k)
1991 350SD (116k)
1991 350SD (206k)
1991 300D (228k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (442k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (267k)

Past Diesels:
1983 300D (228K), 1985 300D (233K), 1993 300D 2.5T (338k), 1993 300SD (291k)

You should wash it down with soap and water. The soap will help cut off the oily diesel.

Ken300D

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1982 300D at 351K miles
1984 300SD at 217K miles
1987 300D at 370K miles

For the rubber parts I would use a 50/50 Simple Green/Water mix.
Soap and water for the paint.

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1984 300TD Turbo 156Kmi
"He who seeks knowledge begins with humbleness" - Buju Banton

a good wash job with Lemon Joy will take it off

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2000 Ford 7.3 Powerstroke 4x4
2006 Mazda Tribute
1983 Black 300 D (donated to charity)
1993 Teal 300 D (160K) Sold
"I love the smell of burnt diesel fuel in the morning, it smells like ....VICTORY"

Semper Fidelis
USMC 1973-1976

i totally agree with ga-123 - use some dishwashing detergent and clean the area well, then when everything dries out a coat or two with your favorite wax should take care of it.
been there.. done that.. hehe

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1984 300D Turbo - 231k....totalled 11/30/07 RIP