wrong fuel

Technical Area Engine, Transmission, Exhaust etc
2

Dont ask, but I now have a mk3 that has diesel instead of petrol in the system.

It was driven until it stopped, I now need to empty the tank, I have tried to suck the fuel out with a pump but there must be a filter or some thing in the pipeline as it will not allow me to get to the fuel. Question is how can I drain the tank the easiest way possible and what else would I need to do to clean the fuel system.

Any help would be good ta. 

3

Hi what i did on a mk1

find and disconnect feed pipe under bonnet

find a hose and connector to above pipe

place above hose in big enough container

energize fuel relay

pump out tank

place a gallon of fuel in tank

run fuel through pipe

reconnect feed pipe

turn over car engine

did no harm to mk1

hope this helps cheers Rob.

 

 

4

I suppose it depends on how MUCH diesel is in the tank.

Petrol in a diesel is instant and expensive death.

Diesel in a petrol car = ‘tummy ache’ but it will flush out with continued use of the correct fuel.

(However, above advice sounds good.)

 

 

 

5

Three months ago when my ND’s tank was down to about 10 litres I went to fill up at Tesco and I was distracted by the idiot behind who was shunting backwards and forwards this idiot (me) inadvertently grabbed the wrong hose and put 5 litres of diesel in before I realised, so I just just changed hoses to the 99 octane fuel and filled it up.  The car started OK and has run without any problem since, although It did smell a bit like a two-stroke for a while and I did top-up regularly with top grade fuel whenever I’d used about 10 litres.  Good luck.

6

DON’T refill with petrol and drive - this will not work! Even with a small amount of diesel contamination there will be complications.

Good advice re disconnecting input pipe from fuel rail and using fuel pump to push as much fuel out as possible.

Once that is done you can hopefully find a bolt at the base of the fuel tank to undo and get rid of the dregs. Diesel is heavier than petrol but naturally mixes so as much needs to be removed as possible. I can’t speak for the MK3 but the MK1 has a bolt at the base of the tank to empty last of fuel. rust, etc - hopefully the same with the MK3.

I did this to my Renault 16, 30+ years ago - filled up completely with diesel and had to siphon(mouth full of diesel) a full tank of mixed fuel. Don’t throw it away if you have space - it is great for cleaning up car bits and general degreasing provided you are not repelled by the smell of diesel. The Renault had no bolt in the tank and a mechanical fuel pump so some fuel left behind. It missed and did not run properly for several fills afterwards. Modern sensors, catalytic converter etc would only suffer from this sort of abuse.       

    

7

Lifted from a 'Wrong fuel recovery' site': 

If more than 10% of fuel capacity is diesel and you've driven your car before realising

If you have started your vehicle, STOP driving as soon as it is safe to do so. A full flush of the fuel lines and tank is essential to remove any contaminated fuel. Once this flush has been carried out and the vehicle has cleared the remaining residue diesel from the system, your car should run fine. We do recommend, as an extra precaution, that you change your fuel filter within a few days of the incident, these are a relatively low cost component and are simple to install.

NOTE: Some vehicles may suffer emission problems after a misfuel due to contamination of the sensors and controls. If you have put diesel in a petrol car and experience any problems after the contamination has been removed, seek the advice of a reputable garage or mechanic.

So flushing as the first poster advised is the way forward.

8

And Man… (I talk from experience) does it smoke!  

9

Thanks for all your responses, I will be having a go early next week, will let you know out of interest.

10

Hi Rob,showing my ignorance here not sure how I would energise the fuel relay.

 

 

11

I’m no expert but wouldn’t it be a good idea to change the oil and filter as well?

12

Firefox John is that you from near Logerheads and i spotted you from my BMW Bike, if so hi. So go to the Diagnostic Connector Block short out GND and F/P turn on Ign Key one turn fuel pump will run, the feed pipe from the tank is the one with a bit of white paint on the rubber pipe and also the steel tube the feed and return pipes are located offside chassis leg behind the charcoal thingy, hope to make the Bunch meeting 5 Nov cheers Rob.

13

Thanks Rob,have all the info now in case I have a senior moment when filling up with fuel.

Your right Rob ''tis the the good looking guy near loggerheads with mr1 neo green V special.

See you on Sunday the 5th, weather permitting.

John

 

14

Hey John Specsavers comes to mindcheers Rob.

15

Can I just add, as ex Fire Service - please be careful with the fuel?
I’ve seen what happens when people underestimate not just the flammable but also the explosive potential of petrol.
Stay safe!

16

Can I just add, as ex Fire Service - please be careful with the fuel?
I’ve seen what happens when people underestimate not just the flammable but also the explosive potential of petrol.
Stay safe!

17

Oh, and if you’re as ham fisted as me - posting twice, get somebody else to do the job lol.