2007 VW Sharan TDI - Petrol in diesel..already driven..worried

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Sun 15 Dec 2013 09:45
2007 VW Sharan TDI - Petrol in diesel..already driven..worried - drystone

Two days ago I put 4 litres of petrol into the empty tank of my Sharan.Thinking this was a very small amount, I filled up with diesel to the brim (another 60 litres) and drove off. I have driven about 50 miles (7 trips).

Yesterday morning I decided to read about this subject on the internet and now find myself feeling very worried.

The views and experiences of the various experts and non- experts varies hugely. From what I can understand, if I have a diesel with an older type fuel pump then I should be ok. If I have a modern diesel with a common-rail fuel pump then I should prepare myself for a massive repair bill.

I am not sure which type of fuel pump my 2007 Sharan TDI has. Can anyone help with this?

I have now spoken to various people about this

* local garage said when they drain it is impossible to remove all diesel and usually 1/2 litre or so left. They then add 10 litres to get started. Advised that if I had no current problem that I should drive till empty, change fuel filter and refill to brim.

*VW dealer advised, to bring vehicle in on flatbed. If not possible..then on no account should I restart again, but drain tank, flush fuel lines and change fuel filter.

*I also rang a few fuel tank drainage companies for quotes. A few told me that for less that 10% they advise people not to bother. The quotes ranged from £100 - £180.

Total cost is

Drain tank (£100), plus loss of fuel (£80) and a new fuel filter fitted (£50) will cost me ~£230.

However this is insignificant compared to the cost of £2000-3000k if I have heard mentioned to replace a wrecked the fuel pump.

I am now very confused and very worried.

I have already driven the car and am wondering is the damage already done? or will it get progressively worse?

I think I have 2 options...

1. Drive on and hope for the best

2. Follow the advice of the VW garage?

Can anyone help or offer some extra advice?

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Sun 15 Dec 2013 10:04
2007 VW Sharan TDI - Petrol in diesel..already driven..worried - Wackyracer

As long as you didn't start the engine before you had filled the tank up with the diesel, I'd not worry about it.

This is just my opinion based on my experience, I'm sure there will be many replies to the contrary.

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Sun 15 Dec 2013 10:12
2007 VW Sharan TDI - Petrol in diesel..already driven..worried - elekie&a/c doctor

I don't think this car is a common rail engine,It is more likely to be a Pd engine.4 litres in 60 + litres is not enough to worry about.I would just drive the car and top up as often as possible to dilute the fuel.hth

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Sun 15 Dec 2013 10:14
2007 VW Sharan TDI - Petrol in diesel..already driven..worried - drystone

Thanks wackyracer. I appreciate the experienced view.

I did fill up with diesrl before starting.

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Sun 15 Dec 2013 10:11
2007 VW Sharan TDI - Petrol in diesel..already driven..worried - gordonbennet

I'd pop down to your local accessory shop and buy a pack of Millers Diesel fuel additive or similar Diesel fuel conditioning product of another good make such as Redex, then go to the fuel station put a generous slop of the stuff in (Millers you can use 2X normal dose) and then top up the tank with Diesel to further weaken the mix.

Then top up the tank again after 100 miles or so.

Then enjoy the rest of your ownership and don't worry, almost certainly this one off won't do any real harm.

At one time before winter anti waxing agents were added to Diesel fuel, many owners would pour some petrol in the tank, anything between 5 and 10% during extremely cold spells.

If you were really worried and felt capable of syphoning well, you could syphon most of the fuel out and put it in clean Jerry cans, then top up your tank again with clean fuel and add the Jerry can mix 10 litres at a time to your normal fill ups over the next 6 months.

If you pay someone to remove such a weak mix, they will use the fuel themselves, i would.

Edited by gordonbennet on 15/12/2013 at 10:15

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Sun 15 Dec 2013 11:31
2007 VW Sharan TDI - Petrol in diesel..already driven..worried - drystone

Thanks gordonbennet. Don't have any siphon tubes or Jerry cans, but I might give theMillers a try.

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Sun 15 Dec 2013 14:10
2007 VW Sharan TDI - Petrol in diesel..already driven..worried - Collos25

Don`t worry it will make not the slightest bit of difference do not listen to doom and gloom merchants or those wanting part you with your hard earned money.

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Sun 15 Dec 2013 15:37
2007 VW Sharan TDI - Petrol in diesel..already driven..worried - Andrew-T

I think (non-expert, mind) that if you have gone 50 miles without needing to do anything drastic, there is little point doing it now, especially if it costs. And there would always be the sneaking suspicion that, having heard the full story, someone might take your money and leave things just as they are.

You have probably cleaned your injectors with that petrol. After all, you have only used a 7% petrol mixture.

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Sun 15 Dec 2013 17:43
2007 VW Sharan TDI - Petrol in diesel..already driven..worried - injection doc

I would agree with Gordon bennet.

Really wouldnt worry but keep topping up with diesel to weaken the petrol mix !

Ignore what the dealer suggested as they are just after your money !

Millers would be a good idea.

You probably have a very clean set of injectors and pump now and most likely running much sweeter

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Sun 15 Dec 2013 18:04
2007 VW Sharan TDI - Petrol in diesel..already driven..worried - Wackyracer

Millers would be a good idea.

It doesn't do anything! Didn't you know? ;-P

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Sun 15 Dec 2013 20:04
2007 VW Sharan TDI - Petrol in diesel..already driven..worried - drystone

Hi all, thanks for the advice.

Decided to go for the top it up frequently approach.

Drove to garage added another 8 litres, 'check oil level' warning came on during return journey... .I know it could be purely coincidental, but seems odd as it has never happened before....does anyone know why this might happen

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Sun 15 Dec 2013 20:09
2007 VW Sharan TDI - Petrol in diesel..already driven..worried - FP

"...'check oil level' warning came on during return journey... .I know it could be purely coincidental, but seems odd as it has never happened before....does anyone know why this might happen

Because the oil level is low? Perhaps you don't check it with the dipstick that often. People tend to just wait for an MOT/service/warning light instead of being proactive.

Probably unrelated to the fuel issue.

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Sun 15 Dec 2013 20:14
2007 VW Sharan TDI - Petrol in diesel..already driven..worried - Simon

4 litres of unleaded in a full tank of diesel will not make the slightest difference. Carry on as normal.

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Sun 15 Dec 2013 20:36
2007 VW Sharan TDI - Petrol in diesel..already driven..worried - drystone

Thanks FP. Car belongs to Mrs Drystone, so I don't know how often it has been checked.

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Sun 15 Dec 2013 20:49
2007 VW Sharan TDI - Petrol in diesel..already driven..worried - Robin Reliant

Thanks FP. Car belongs to Mrs Drystone, so I don't know how often it has been checked.

If She's anything like Mrs Reliant, the last time you checked it.

Edited by Robin Reliant on 15/12/2013 at 20:51

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