1. Cracked cylinder head. This is the most common cause of coolant in diesel fuel. A cracked cylinder head can allow coolant to leak into the combustion chamber, where it mixes with the fuel. This can cause the engine to run rough, stall, and produce white smoke.
2. Blown head gasket. A blown head gasket can also allow coolant to leak into the combustion chamber. The symptoms of a blown head gasket are similar to those of a cracked cylinder head, but they may also include overheating and loss of coolant.
3. Coolant leak in the fuel system. A coolant leak in the fuel system can also cause coolant to mix with the diesel fuel. This can happen if there is a leak in the fuel injector lines, the fuel pump, or the fuel filter.
4. Condensation. In some cases, coolant can also enter the diesel fuel due to condensation. This is most likely to happen in cold weather, when the air is saturated with water vapor. The water vapor can condense on the inside of the fuel tank or fuel lines, and then mix with the diesel fuel.
If you suspect that your 8.2-liter Detroit engine has coolant in the diesel fuel, it is important to have it diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible. Coolant in diesel fuel can cause serious engine damage, including engine seizure.
