Guest Ben Posted February 26, 2005 Report Posted February 26, 2005 My wife filled our '97 1.9TDi with unleaded petrol by mistake a few days ago (it was almost completely empty). Since then she has driven it approx 20 miles - I only noticed something was wrong when it took a long time to start this morning and then ran really weakly.. Clearly I need to drain the tank and fill with diesel.. Question is, will those 20 miles on unleaded have done any other damage... Or are there parts that I need to/should replace? Car has only done 70k miles and is well worth taking any remedial actions which are appropriate. Quote
Masked Marauder Posted February 26, 2005 Report Posted February 26, 2005 It is unlikely, how much was the mix of petrol/diesel? Quote
Dave-G Posted February 27, 2005 Report Posted February 27, 2005 :huh: In days of old,when winters were really cold,petrol was added to help prevent diesel from becoming sludgy (as diesel contains a small amount of water that freezes) :o If the good lady has'nt put much more than a gallon or two in then I would say fill your tank to the brim to dilute it as much as possible....and dont worry about it. :P Personally...I'd admit it if it was me rather than blame the wife :lol: Quote
Guest Ben Posted February 27, 2005 Report Posted February 27, 2005 Thanks - unfortunately, I think it was pretty much 100% unleaded as it gave up the ghost right after my posting and we had to call AA. Towed to a garage who will no doubt charge me Quote
Guest vr6galaxy Posted February 27, 2005 Report Posted February 27, 2005 If your lucky it will be just a case of draining the tank, cleaning the filters and flushing the system, worst case! new fuel pump! as the fuel is used to lube the pump, unfortuanately petrol doesnt have the same lubrication qualities as diesel and strips the lube from the pump! how long have you been married? you should know by now your a man it's always your fault :lol: Quote
seatkid Posted February 28, 2005 Report Posted February 28, 2005 If I were you I would put her over my knee and give her a good spanking.... Drain enough of the tank and add enough diesel to ensure >90% diesel mix.Make sure passers by don't see you with that syphon..:lol: Drain the fuel filter (IIRC there is a tap underneath it). Restart the car for a few seconds. Drain the filter again. Restart the car and take it easy for the first couple of miles. Any damage has already been done but I think its unlikely. Top up tank with diesel asap to dilute that remaining petrol. Quote
Ivor_E_Tower Posted February 28, 2005 Report Posted February 28, 2005 ..and don't fall for the old trick of "that will cost you Quote
Guest Ben Posted March 1, 2005 Report Posted March 1, 2005 Thanks for all this excellent advice. Pleased to report that both the Galaxy and my marriage (of 11 yrs) have survived the ordeal. In the end it cost me Quote
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