Mistakes at the fueling station are more common than most people realize. Accidentally filling your diesel car with petrol in diesel car can happen in moments, but the consequences can range from minor inconvenience to costly damage.
Understanding what happens when petrol is introduced to a diesel engine and knowing how to deal with the situation is critical for minimizing potential harm. Here’s an in-depth look at the impact of this error and the steps you can take to fix it.
What Happens When Petrol is Added to a Diesel Engine?
Diesel engines are engineered to run exclusively on diesel fuel, a substance with properties significantly different from petrol. When petrol enters a diesel system, it can cause immediate and long-term issues.
Lubrication Breakdown
Diesel acts as a lubricant for the fuel pump and injectors in a diesel engine. Petrol, on the other hand, lacks the essential lubricating properties of diesel. When petrol contaminates the diesel system, it accelerates wear and tear on these components, potentially leading to failure.
Fuel System Damage
The properties of petrol can corrode seals, gaskets, and other critical components in the fuel system. Over time, this corrosion can lead to leaks and further damage.
Engine Misfires and Performance Issues
Diesel engines rely on compression to ignite the fuel, a process designed specifically for diesel’s dense properties. Petrol doesn’t ignite in the same manner under compression. This can result in engine misfires, knocking sounds, and even stalls.
Risk of Severe Damage
Running a diesel engine on petrol significantly increases the risk of overheating and damaging internal engine parts, including pistons and cylinders. Prolonged use without addressing the issue can lead to irreversible engine damage.
Immediate Steps to Take If You’ve Misfueled
Recognizing the mistake early is crucial. If you realize petrol has been added to your diesel car, act quickly to prevent further problems.
Do Not Start the Engine
The most critical step is to avoid turning on the ignition or starting the car. When the engine starts, petrol circulates through the system, intensifying potential damage to vital components.
Push the Vehicle to a Safe Spot
If you’ve already started the car, turn it off immediately. Push the vehicle to a safe location to prevent obstruction or accidents.
Contact a Professional for Assistance
Once the car is stationary and the engine is off, call for roadside assistance or a mechanic. Professionals can address the issue by draining the contaminated fuel.
How to Fix a Diesel Car with Petrol Contamination
Depending on the extent of misfueling, there are several steps to resolve the issue:
Fuel Drain and System Flush
The contaminated fuel must be drained from the tank and fuel lines. A mechanic will typically flush the system to ensure all traces of petrol are removed.
Filter Replacement
To minimize risks of residual damage, the fuel filter is often replaced as part of the repair process.
System Inspection
Once the system is cleared, a thorough inspection should be performed to assess whether the petrol caused damage to the fuel pump, injectors, or other components.
Refueling with Diesel
After the system has been repaired, the tank can be refueled with clean diesel. The car can then be tested to ensure it is running smoothly before hitting the road.