Hello,

I have a 7.3L newer E350 van that was run on petroleum (accidently) for about 15 miles and idled about 45 minutes before it was discovered what was wrong. The innerinjedctor seal leaks profusely (so much so it is a hazard to even try to start the vehicle...mechanic said I was lucky it didn't blow up) and the car runs very rough and blows white smoke. I'm hesitant to take it to Ford because I've been told that should I have problems later that any complications/problems won't be covered under warranty...ie fuel pump, injectors, cylinders, tank pump, etc. What damage can be done to such a vehicle?

On the other hand, despite the warranty being "voided," I'm told that there is no way that the innerinjector seal would be leaking from the introduction of gasoline in the engine. (It's similar to the story I got several years ago about the then suspected delaminating fuel tank...that there is no way injectors would be affected...so I ended up paying for the fuel tank and injectors, etc. out of my pocket...)

So, does having your diesel accidently have diesel run in your engine void the warranty? If so, what damage could actually be done by running the vehicle with gasoline and why would Ford void the warranty?

Any idea, besides a dealer, where I can get a clear answer? I'm beginning to wonder if dealers run like some health insurance companies...where they get paid some type of flat rate (or kickback) for limiting service to vehicles.


Thanks

 

Welcome to the site..

Generally when a 7.3 is run of gas, or has been fuel tank polluted with water (from gas cans or?) it doesn't affect the injector seals. It DOES however damage the injector plunger/pistons as they need the lubricity of the diesel fuel to properly lubricate. With gas or water intrusion the injectors 'gall' the metal internal surfaces and the injectors then fail..

Depending on how long the problem occurred or existed, it can damage the base engine components. Most times whats happens is the injector/s fail and the truck performance or driveability becomes an issue before base engine pieces are damaged, but not always. The 7.3 is pretty stout, and most times just cleaning the fuel system out 'completely' and replacing injectors will be the fix. Unless 'all' the injectors are replaced, sometimes one or more can fail at a later date/mileage, and if the repair isn't done complete, it can look like another repair as per warranty, or, another finger pointed at the owner for fuel quality.. Some repair facilities will offer the option of only replacing the 'bad injectors' with the understanding of a possible return visit. Warranty repair may as well,, but most will do a complete injector replacement given the cost of repeat labor/parts if another failure should occur. Some/most will 'only' warrant a repair if all are replaced..

Back to warranty,,, Usually when any failure is caused by a vehicle owner, THAT specific repair can be refused under a warranty, but shouldn't result in a extended warranty program being canceled since they tend to cover a wide range of coverage/components.

That being said,, if the engine fuel system was repaired (?) and at a later date/point a rod or piston failed (just as an example) then they may review the issue/repair and if it could be pinned to the prior failure that repair could be denied as well.. But,, if it was a fuel/owner issues, and say the water pump went out?, or oil leak etc. then no way should any warranty claim be refused..

I've seen quite a few run on gas, water, and some later diesels programmed for HP increases causing failures. These repairs are a direct result of the operator/owner and warranty coverage stops there on the repair.. But,, not for complete coverage on the truck/engine or drivetrain if thats the level of warranty.. The gray area is,, like noted before, if a new failure is the result of an older one.

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act was is in design to protect owners that use any aftermarket parts. The argument was,, that the use of aftermarket parts, even service parts could/would void warranty. Why? As long as they meet OEM specs. and quality parts. And even the use of custom wheels, intake/filters, exhausts etc. that in most cases would not cause a failure WOULD void warranty. The argument or burden or proof should be on the servicing dealer/manufacturer to prove that either a failure due to fuel quality( in your case), or even the use of an aftermarket oil filter is cause enough for denial. Sometimes it's pretty easy to see the cause of a failure..

Because you drive your vehicle hard, tow heavy, or use your vehicle in severe conditions, is that reason for warranty issues?, not unless it was abused and cause for a failure, or the service/care guidelines and intervals were not met. I have however been witness to many failures due to leaking oil filters, leaking aftermarket intake/filters, coolant loss, power enhancements causing severe damage that is not the responsibility of the dealer/warranty carrier.. If you follow the guide lines of the specific warranty provider, then a repair, even if caused by the owner, should not cancel coverage… Might be a fight, and may need some direction, but keep pushing back.. If at the first sign of a claim, (other than owner generated failure) they cancel complete covergage, then a refund would be in order IMO...

My 02..