I accidentally put in 3 gallons of diesel in my petrol car?

Question

I accidentally put in 3 gallons of diesel in my petrol car. The tank had 10 gallons on petrol when I did this. Since I was confused, I topped it off with 2 more gallons on petrol and kept driving. I have since then driven more than 80 miles and havent noticed a problem. NO smoke , just a little sputtering when started. I called up a mechanic and he asked me to get it to his garage asap. Please help me with suggestion.

Answer 1

Mine wouldn't run after a well meaning friend put diesel in my car and the mechanics had to do something. I'd recommend getting a 2nd opinion and if the other mechanic says the same thing taking it in.

Answer 2

The reason why you have not had problems, yet, is because gasoline is heavier than diesel. Diesel has a Specific Gravity or 30-42, gasoline is 45-55. All of the Gas is on the bottom, when that runs out, you will start burning diesel. Now, Diesel is not as combustible as gas. Gas engines run from a spark that ignites the gas. Diesel engines run on compression of the diesel, thus creating combustion. It takes around 900 degrees for diesel to ignite. No spark plug will create that much temperature. Bottom line, a gas engine will not run on pure diesel. If you don't want to have the tank flushed, then keep diluting with gas until all the diesel is gone. It will take a while.

Answer 3

You might be okay. You can run a gas car on diesel, but you cannot run a diesel can on gas. The worst thing that is probably going to happen is that it could overwork your fuel pump being that diesel is a little thicker. It might also carbon up your valves and spark plugs. If it were me, I would run the car and at about every 1/4 tank, fill it up with petrol. After about 4 fill-ups to help dilute the diesel, run the car about empty and then fill up with gas and change your fuel filter. Every once 1/4 tank fill up, I would add some carburetor/injector cleaner additive to help keep your valves and plugs clean. I would also take the plugs out and make sure they are clean. A dirty plug will cause poor gas mileage and the car will smoke more. Keeping it clean will ensure a hotter burn and will help with the cold start sputtering. A mechanic is a businessman so obviously he would want you to bring it in to him...it's revenue. You should be fine.

Answer 4

diesel will burn but with side effects.At least you didn't do the "reveres" You did right by filling it up the rest,with reg. fuel (petro as you say on the other side of the pond)I would also put a octane booster in your tank too since diesel has low octane.The mechanic would probably sell you a padded repair bill and tell you that if you do'nt do this or that.....It will ruin your engine.

Answer 5

3 gallons out of 12 isn't that bad...You may get some smoke and you want to out in some fuel additives such as injector cleaners and gas treatments. But would call a dealer or another mechanic.

Answer 6

if your car is running on it. i wouldnt worry. the most it will do is smoke. the diesel will actually clean the valves off. just drive it out . diesel and petro are the same just a different grade is all.

Answer 7

he told you right you need to take it in ,,and get it all flushed out as soon as possible,,it will cause you some major problems if you don't,,i own a repair shop,,and it will stop running on you,,real soon too,,it will cause problems you wouldn't think could happen to a vehicle,,not to mention,,it wont start good,,the sputtering your feeling is the beginning of it,,good luck,,i hope this help,s.

Answer 8

take it in or try to drain the tank and then flush the lines and see what happens.You may also have to pull and clean the plugs a couple of times.

Answer 9

You're screwed.