Started engine after filling car with diesel instead of petrol?

Answer 1

Well, the good news is that filling a gasoline engine with diesel is not as bad as using gasoline in a diesel engine. There is likely no permanent damage. The bad news is that you're probably looking at several hundred dollars (perhaps up to $500) to drain the fuel tank and engine and flush the fuel lines unless you can DIY. If the diesel gummed up the spark plugs and filters, they'd probably need to be replaced, but those are minor costs. If you want to DIY, just drain as much diesel out of the fuel tank as possible. Then disconnect the fuel lines and blow them out. Replace the fuel filter and reconnect everything. Purchase a can of Seafoam FI cleaner and pour the entire can in the fuel tank. This will help remove any moisture and also clean the injectors or carburetor. Fill the tank with at least 10 gallons of fuel or more. The more the better as this will dilute the diesel. You will probably need to use a starter fluid to get it started. Just keep spraying a small amount of starter fluid into the intake until it will run on it's own. Do not spray too much. Don't allow the battery to fully discharge as this will do damage to the battery and do not crank the engine for long periods of time as this will overheat the starter. Once you get it running, you should be OK, and there should be no permanent damage. You may end up replacing the spark plugs but more than likely not.