For starters gasoline would detonate at 12:1 ratios. Which isn't going to make your 17:1 diesel very happy. Also gasoline detonation causes a shock wave whereas

For starters gasoline would detonate at 12:1 ratios. Which isn't going to make your 17:1 diesel very happy. Also gasoline detonation causes a shock wave whereas diesel is more like a controlled burn as it is injected. That being said, there have been engines that run on diesel or gasoline. The M35 (deuce and half) has an engine that can run on just about any flammable material, preferably diesel. Gasoline's lack of lubrication will eventually kill it, but it'll run long enough to get you out of trouble.