Simon T Posted November 18, 2012 Share Posted November 18, 2012 Idiot that I am I managed to top my car up with unleaded petrol yesterday and it is a diesel car. I realised my mistake after 2 litres and quickly stopped! Obvioulsy I started panicking that I had ruined the engine and this would cost me an arm and a leg but another customer in the petrol station said that I would be alright as long as I filled up right to the top with diesel. So that's what I did and so far it's been alright. He said that if you put diesel in an unleaded car, that's when you are totally screwed! I think i'vegot lucky but am seeking reassurance, am I in the clear? Has anyone else done this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gazza58 Posted November 18, 2012 Share Posted November 18, 2012 2 litres wont do any harm,ive had diesels for the past 15 years but managed to do exactly the same as you last year.Caused no problems at all.Ive been told that amount even helps clean out certain parts of the fuel system. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
truman Posted November 18, 2012 Share Posted November 18, 2012 The fuel system in a diesel car relies on the fuel for lubrication I think...you'll probably be Ok if you only put 2 litres in and diluted it with diesel..probably best to keep adding diesel before you run low to dilute the petrol even more.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sawdoctor Posted November 18, 2012 Share Posted November 18, 2012 I havent actually done this myself but I have been told exactly the same advice that you have - top right up with diesel & you will be ok Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geared Posted November 18, 2012 Share Posted November 18, 2012 I've done this too, brim the tank and you'll be ok. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon T Posted November 18, 2012 Author Share Posted November 18, 2012 Ok looks I got lucky thanks guys Really need to start learning about cars! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
POLSKI Posted November 18, 2012 Share Posted November 18, 2012 Folk used to put a half gallon or so of petrol in diesel tanks and top up with diesel in Winter to stop the diesel "waxing" so don't worry you'll be fine. Just make sure you put at least 15 - 20 litres of diesel in extra. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
banjodeano Posted November 18, 2012 Share Posted November 18, 2012 Folk used to put a half gallon or so of petrol in diesel tanks and top up with diesel in Winter to stop the diesel "waxing" so don't worry you'll be fine. Just make sure you put at least 15 - 20 litres of diesel in extra. But that was probably in old fashioned diesel engines, they are not the same as modern diesel engines.....she is prob gonna be safe tho i would guess.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geared Posted November 18, 2012 Share Posted November 18, 2012 They also modify the diesel fuel for winter use (add a percentage of kerosene IIRC) to lower the waxing point. Well at least they do in colder countries. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
medusa Posted November 18, 2012 Share Posted November 18, 2012 Yes, you should be fine as long as the petrol is mixed in with loads of diesel. As the other person told you, doing it the other way round is another matter. My current car is a diesel after 25 years of driving petrol cars and I still arrive at filling stations chanting the word 'diesel' to myself under my breath because I know that the first time I relax I'll pick up the green hose the same as I have for all those years. Good on you for spotting so quickly and stopping the pump Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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