Misfuelling is a common yet dangerous mistake that many drivers make. Whether it’s due to distraction, unfamiliarity with a rental vehicle, or simply being in a hurry, filling up a petrol car with diesel fuel can lead to severe engine damage if not addressed promptly. In this article, we’ll explore the symptoms of diesel in a petrol car engine, what to watch for, and why it’s important to act quickly to avoid costly repairs.
How Does Diesel End Up in a Petrol Car?
Filling a petrol car with diesel typically happens because the nozzle of a diesel pump fits into a petrol car’s fuel tank. Although this error might seem harmless, diesel and petrol engines are designed very differently, and mixing the two fuels can cause a range of mechanical problems.
Diesel in a petrol car can lead to disastrous results if not rectified immediately. Diesel fuel is thicker and less volatile than petrol, which means it won’t ignite properly within a petrol engine. This incompatibility causes various symptoms, which, if ignored, could cause permanent engine damage.
Early Symptoms of Diesel in a Petrol Engine
If you’ve accidentally put diesel in a petrol car, you’ll notice some immediate and alarming symptoms:
1. Engine Misfiring and Hesitation
One of the earliest signs of diesel in a petrol engine is engine misfiring. As the diesel struggles to combust in the petrol engine, you’ll feel the car hesitate or jerk during acceleration. This hesitation is a clear sign that the engine is not receiving the correct fuel mixture, causing incomplete combustion.
2. Strange Exhaust Smoke
Another telltale symptom of diesel in a petrol car is thick, dark smoke coming from the exhaust. This happens because diesel doesn’t burn as cleanly as petrol, especially in an engine not designed for it. The result is unburnt diesel being expelled through the exhaust system, leading to heavy, dark fumes.
3. Rough Idling
A petrol engine that has been contaminated with diesel will also idle roughly. The difference in fuel combustion can cause the engine to sputter or idle in a rough, uneven manner. If you notice your car shaking or vibrating excessively while at a standstill, it’s a strong indication that diesel in a petrol engine may be the culprit.
4. Difficulty Starting the Car
Diesel doesn’t ignite as easily as petrol, and a petrol engine requires a spark to ignite the fuel mixture. If you’ve put diesel in a petrol car, you might find it difficult or even impossible to start your vehicle. The engine will crank but not fire up, or it may take several attempts to get the car running.
More Severe Symptoms of Diesel in a Petrol Car
If the issue isn’t addressed in time, the symptoms will worsen, potentially leading to irreversible engine damage.
1. Complete Engine Failure
If a large amount of diesel has been introduced into the petrol engine and you continue to drive, the engine may completely shut down. Diesel’s slower combustion properties can cause severe strain on internal components like the pistons and cylinders. Over time, this can lead to total engine failure, requiring a full engine rebuild or replacement.
2. Contaminated Fuel System
Another serious consequence of diesel in a petrol engine is contamination of the entire fuel system. Diesel leaves behind oily residues, which can clog up the fuel injectors, fuel pump, and fuel lines. Once the system is contaminated, flushing it can be both time-consuming and expensive.
3. Catalytic Converter Damage
The catalytic converter is responsible for reducing harmful emissions from the exhaust system. However, diesel can cause the catalytic converter in a petrol engine to become clogged or damaged. This damage can result in reduced engine performance, increased emissions, and a costly replacement bill.
What to Do if You Put Diesel in a Petrol Car
If you realize that you’ve accidentally put diesel in a petrol car, the best course of action is to stop driving the vehicle immediately. Driving with diesel in your petrol tank can cause more damage the longer it’s left unchecked. Here’s what to do:
1. Don’t Start the Engine
If you catch the mistake before turning the ignition, do not start the car. Call for roadside assistance or a misfuelling specialist who can safely drain the diesel from the fuel tank before any damage occurs.
2. Stop Driving Immediately
If you’ve already started driving and notice the diesel in petrol engine symptoms, pull over as soon as it’s safe to do so. Continuing to drive will only exacerbate the issue and lead to more expensive repairs.
3. Call for Professional Help
Draining the diesel from your petrol engine requires professional help. A misfuelling expert can remove the contaminated fuel, flush the system, and inspect for any potential damage. In some cases, the fuel filter may need to be replaced as part of the recovery process.
Preventing Diesel in a Petrol Car
To avoid misfuelling incidents, always double-check the fuel type before filling up. Many drivers find it helpful to place a sticker or reminder near the fuel cap indicating the correct fuel type for the vehicle. Staying focused at the pump and avoiding distractions can prevent costly mistakes.
Conclusion
Accidentally putting diesel in a petrol car can cause significant engine damage, ranging from minor issues like misfiring and rough idling to severe problems such as engine failure and catalytic converter damage. Recognizing the symptoms of diesel in a petrol engine early on can help you take the necessary steps to minimize damage. If you suspect that you’ve misfuelled your vehicle, stop driving immediately and seek professional assistance to drain the diesel from your system.
for read more informative blog click here.
