Petrol into a diesel

TheQuietBeatle

My wife put petrol into a diesel (around 50 euro's worth) and then proceeded to drive for about 20-25 minutes.

It's now not starting at all and waiting for the mechanic to sort in the morning due to bank holiday.

The car is a 2011 (I heard in newer cars it does more damage?). Are we goosed or is there hope?

TheQuietBeatle

TheQuietBeatle wrote: »

My wife put petrol into a diesel (around 50 euro's worth) and then proceeded to drive for about 20-25 minutes.

It's now not starting at all and waiting for the mechanic to sort in the morning due to bank holiday.

The car is a 2011 (I heard in newer cars it does more damage?). Are we goosed or is there hope?

It's going to need to be drained anyway. Any chance of removing what's in there and refilling with Diesel? And then re trying.

poolboy

Goosed, sorry

poolboy

[Deleted User] wrote: »

It's going to need to be drained anyway. Any chance of removing what's in there and refilling with Diesel?

That ship has sailed I'd say. Wait for mechanic but after that much driving the damage is done I'd guess.

biko

What car is it?

But yeah, driving that long with that much petrol probably killed the fuel system.
Diesel acts as a lubricant whereas petrol doesn't.

Common rail (or HDi) diesel engines are particularly susceptible to damage from misfuelling. If the damage is extensive, you could be looking at new fuel pumps, injectors, pipes, filters, fuel tank – or even a whole new replacement engine.

Mundo7976

“The car is a 2011 (I heard in newer cars it does more damage?). Are we goosed or is there hope?“
Nah, divorce her!

poolboy

Also dig out your insurance policy, some cover repairs after misfuelling.

Toyotafanboi

Most that we see in work tend to start after the tank and lines are flushed and a new fuel filter in place. The problem is the excessive wear as Biko says from running such a high pressure system under lubricated for a period of time. If it starts and drives it could be ok, indefinitely.

A relative filled their 2016 Astra diesel with petrol when it was less than a year old and drove it until it stalled. Drained and a new fuel filter and it's running fine to this day. How it will fare in the long term is anyone's guess.

I guess I'm saying dont panic. It could be expensive but it could be fine. Expect to pay around €250 independent for draining, flushing, new fuel filter and €20 diesel.

What make and model is it? Might give us a better idea.

TheQuietBeatle

Toyotafanboi wrote: »

Most that we see in work tend to start after the tank and lines are flushed and a new fuel filter in place. The problem is the excessive wear as Biko says from running such a high pressure system under lubricated for a period of time. If it starts and drives it could be ok, indefinitely.

A relative filled their 2016 Astra diesel with petrol when it was less than a year old and drove it until it stalled. Drained and a new fuel filter and it's running fine to this day. How it will fare in the long term is anyone's guess.

I guess I'm saying dont panic. It could be expensive but it could be fine. Expect to pay around €250 independent for draining, flushing, new fuel filter and €20 diesel.

What make and model is it? Might give us a better idea.

Citreon C4

TheQuietBeatle

Good news for anyone in similar situation in the future - it was fixed for the low cost of 60 euro (10 euro diesel included). It's a local garage who know their stuff so got lucky there.

biko

Thanks for the update.
Glad to hear it got sorted even after it sounded so bad.

TheQuietBeatle

TheQuietBeatle wrote: »

Good news for anyone in similar situation in the future - it was fixed for the low cost of 60 euro (10 euro diesel included). It's a local garage who know their stuff so got lucky there.

So, they drained it and put in 10 Euro of Diesel?

TheQuietBeatle

[Deleted User] wrote: »

So, they drained it and put in 10 Euro of Diesel?

Yeah, thought it was a bargain. It mentioned filter on receipt also.

CIP4

TheQuietBeatle wrote: »

Yeah, thought it was a bargain. It mentioned filter on receipt also.

A new fuel filter even for a cheaper brand you would be talking €30 and €10 of fuel so at €60 they didn’t make much on it to say the least.

N30

Glad it worked out for you. It reminded me of my similar experience.
Nine years ago I was travelling down to Mayo and stopped off in Longford to get diesel in a landrover.
On weekdays I used a company car that was petrol. It was early in the morning and I suddenly realised I was putting petrol into the landrover
Got the name of a local mechanic that opens on Saturdays and phoned him about 9.10 and explained my predicament.
He asked me how much petrol I had put in and I told him €16 approx. He said to fill it to the brim with diesel and it should be Ok. Because the fueltank holds about 50litres, if it did not work or made a lot of noise to call him back and he would drop over to me.
Filled it up and drove it around the general area for 10/15 mins and there was no problem. Called him back and thanked him for his advice and went on my merry way.
Since then every time I purchase fuel, I always check the fuel I am using by double checking as I fill.

TheQuietBeatle

To be honest it was a relief, I was expecting to shell out for a new car.