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What damage can misfuelling do?
My son has a 5 year old diesel car and told me that he had a half tank full (about 28 litres) of premium diesel in it and then went to top up to full but accidentally put about 4 litres of petrol in. After realising this he topped up as intended with about 28 litres of premium diesel giving overall a full tank. He has done about 20 miles since with no noticeable effect and is wondering if it is likely to cause any driving problems /damage to the engine.
Asked on 25 March 2022 by faceless999
Answered by
Dan Powell
Putting petrol in petrol into a diesel engine can be very serious. Petrol doesn't have the same lubricity properties as diesel fuel, which means more friction and heat. It could mean wrecked fuel pump, injectors, pipes, filters – or even a whole new engine in a worst-case scenario.
The only way to be sure that the engine is safe from damage would be to get the fuel tank drained and fuel lines cleaned. If your son doesn't want to do this, adding fuel lubricity additives to the tank regularly and keeping it above half full for 2000 miles might allow him to get away with it.
But your son will be taking a huge risk with his car. I would be inclined to get the fuel tank drained and cleaned by a professional.
The only way to be sure that the engine is safe from damage would be to get the fuel tank drained and fuel lines cleaned. If your son doesn't want to do this, adding fuel lubricity additives to the tank regularly and keeping it above half full for 2000 miles might allow him to get away with it.
But your son will be taking a huge risk with his car. I would be inclined to get the fuel tank drained and cleaned by a professional.
Tags:
misfuelling
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