When I drove it home it chugged about real bad. I took it back and complained. it turned out they had put petrol in my diesel engine. It is a brand new car. Is the engine likely to be ruined? Should I demand a different new car?
2006-09-07 12:03:11 · 18 answers · asked by messymessina 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Buying & Selling
There is a possibility that the fuel pump/injectors will be damaged.
The latest high pressure fuel systems require the extra lubricity that diesel has over petrol & also the catalitic converter may also be damaged due to unburnt fuel diposits clogging it.
My advice is to phone another ford dealer say that you have put wrong fuel in and run it and how much to fix,Chances are you will get a high price quote ask them for written verification then take this to your dealer ask for this work to be carried out or a replacement car.
P.S. the reason for saying you put the petrol in instesd the dealer is they tend to cover each others backs and will fob you off.
2006-09-08 09:08:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Diesels don't use spark plugs, so there was no reaction to the gas. Diesels work on the pressure built up in the cylinder to produce energy. If this was a new car and they put the petrol in the tank, then it is their fault and I would demand a new car. The car may run fine now, but you have compromised its life cycle. Demand a new car or at the very least a new engine.
2006-09-07 12:37:43 · answer #2 · answered by alicecooper6 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would not accept that car, or their promise for repairs! All they will do is drain the tank out, and refill it with diesel fuel. BUT, the damage could already be done now. VERY little gas in with the diesel won't hurt it. But it wouldn't make it chug. Combustion process is different for a diesel engine. GET IT BACK THERE! And don't take no for an answer either.
2006-09-07 12:09:30 · answer #3 · answered by knownothing 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Basically yes,
depends on the type of engine it is wether it is permanently damaged or not, old style diesels aren't harmed by petrol, but do need cleaning out.
Modern high compression engines may need new pump, new injectors etc. thousands in new parts and labour.
They made the mess they will have liabilty to cover it let them clear it up, any reputable dealer will want to hide this mistake from embaressment, and if they don't Ford will want to keep you loyal they know vauxhall toyota etc. are only a phone call away.
2006-09-07 13:05:52 · answer #4 · answered by strawman 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did you get your 7 Day Driveaway cover sorted?
And did you take up the quote and get your £50 worth of free fuel?
In all honesty, the engine could be damaged. My advice would be this.
As it's a brand new Fiesta, you probably got 3 years AA breakdown cover thrown in with the deal.
Am I right?
Call out an AA engineer and get him to check it over and provide you with a statement that you can take with you when you go back to the dealership.
2006-09-07 12:27:18 · answer #5 · answered by Swampy_Bogtrotter 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Petrol does not normally ruin a diesel engine unless it was run for a prolonged time on it, if it were the other way round it definitely would be ruined.
2006-09-07 12:12:25 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wont have done much good but hardly a reason for demanding a new car, usual problem is injection pump lubrication, diesel fuel lubricates, petrol does not
2006-09-07 15:37:33 · answer #7 · answered by "Call me Dave" 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get them to pick it up and deliver you a new one. Something similar happened to me when an apprentice mechanic filled the hydraulic suspension fluid reservoir of my Citroen with water - it collapsed on a motorway. I was told they can flush it all they like but it will leave traces of water and will never be the same again. Don't take the risk of driving it again, if it seizes now they know you have a problem they're likely to try and put blame on you. It's not worth the hassle. Demand your rights, and a new car. Good luck
2006-09-07 12:16:49 · answer #8 · answered by cymbalita 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
......You could, but somehow I don't think you'll get very far. It shouldn't make too much difference, as you said it just didn't run too well. You didn't say how far you drove home??? But it's certainly not ruined. At least get them to service it now. Also due to their ridiculous error ask them for the next two or three services free or tell them you will kick up a fuss. Good luck
2006-09-07 12:07:20 · answer #9 · answered by KWB 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Did you go far?
It probably won't have hurt it, and if it has it will probably show up pretty quickly.
On the other hand you've shelled out for a new car, you probably don't want to take the risk so go and swap it.
If the dealer is less than helpful write to Ford head office.
2006-09-07 12:10:56 · answer #10 · answered by Hairyloon 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋