If you own a car or have good knowledge about automobiles, you must be well aware that there are mainly two types of car engines that use two types of fuel. Yes, we are talking about cars with petrol and diesel engines. Incorrect fuel filling is one of the most common occurrences due to human error when refueling a vehicle. So, what happens if you put diesel in a petrol car, or use petrol in a diesel engine?
Filling the wrong fuel at the fuel station is one of the most common mistakes
Filling the wrong fuel at the fuel station is one of the most common mistakes. This may be due to lack of information, misunderstandings or mistakes. The cause could be anything, but the consequences are inevitable if the car has the wrong fuel. Both petrol and diesel fuel have different characteristics. Therefore, the working mechanism of petrol and diesel engines is different. For example, a petrol engine uses a spark plug to ignite the air-fuel mixture, while a diesel engine uses compression to ignite the fuel. So whether it is petrol in a diesel car or diesel in a petrol car, it will damage the internal components of the engine. The following sections will explain the consequences of improperly fueling a vehicle.
What are the consequences of wrong refueling?
Whether you fill a diesel car with petrol or otherwise, the results are bound to be bad. However, the degree of effect may vary according to the type of engine – petrol or diesel. Below we explain both situations and their consequences.
Diesel in petrol cars
In reality, it is difficult to eliminate diesel in petrol cars. This is because diesel fuel dispenser nozzles generally do not fit petrol vehicle fuel filler nozzles. However, if you somehow fill a petrol car with diesel, it can damage the internal components of the engine and fuel lines. Petrol is a thin fuel and diesel is thick. Hence, petrol engines are not designed to match the characteristics of diesel. If you crank a petrol engine with diesel in the fuel tank, the fuel filter can become clogged as it is not designed to handle the lubricating properties of diesel. After that, if the fuel somehow gets ahead, it can block the fuel injectors. Spark plugs can also be damaged due to the formation of soot due to mixing of petrol and diesel.
Signs of mixing diesel with petrol
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Fuel will not reach the engine due to clogged fuel filter.
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As a result, the engine starts malfunctioning and stalling.
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Besides, a lot of white smoke can be seen coming out from the exit pipe.
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Eventually, the engine will lose all its power and you won’t be able to start it.
Petrol in diesel cars
A diesel car is more likely to be filled with petrol because the petrol dispenser nozzle is small, and it can easily fit into the nozzle of the diesel fuel tank. This is an unfortunate situation because gasoline in a diesel engine can cause extensive damage to internal components
Signs of adulteration of petrol in diesel
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As mentioned above, it is difficult to determine the presence of petrol in diesel vehicles.
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It’s possible that you’re mistaken when you see black smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe.
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Impure fuel produces black smoke.
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Then the engine stalls and loses power. After that you cannot start the engine.
What to do if your car is filled with the wrong fuel?
Diesel in petrol cars
In this situation, it is best if you do not start your engine. You just need to take the car to the garage and ask them to drain the diesel from the engine. However, if you accidentally start the engine, fuel can flow through the vehicle’s entire fuel system. Pull the car over and the mechanic will open all the fuel lines. Then, he will pour petrol and wait until only petrol comes out of the injector. The car may also need an oil change.
Petrol in diesel cars
Whenever your car tank is filled with petrol instead of diesel, never start your car. When the car is started, the petrol mixed with diesel will immediately reach the engine. This is very dangerous to happen and will damage many parts of the car. So if you find that the car has been fueled incorrectly, push the car to the side and call a mechanic. If you find after some time that petrol has been replaced with diesel and you start or drive the vehicle, stop the vehicle immediately. A few feet of driving or a few seconds of driving can cost you thousands of dollars. Turn off the vehicle and call a mechanic. Completely drain the diesel mixed with petrol from the vehicle and clean the tank completely. If you don’t start the car, draining the fuel from the tank and the pipe leading to the engine will do the trick
