What happens if you put petrol in a Diesel engine?

[waynne]

I know it will go bang and break but I was wondering if anyone knows the specifics of damage done. Has it happened to you? How much did it cost to put right.

[Izo Azlion]

As far as I know, Diesel engines are a much larger compression ratio than a petrol. So petrol, which is considerably more volatile, is going to go BANG and the engines going to completely crap itself and fall apart.

As for what exactly happens, I can only assume all the components cant take that sort of pressure and various bits will snap/bend/break.

Best thing to do if you put Diesel in is not turn the ignition, but call AA or something, and get them to drain the tank. It'll only cost upto a few hundred quid, rather than grands.

[HDi fun]

Most IDI cars without turbos will stand up to 30% petrol mixed with diesel. Before the days of winter diesel it was common to add 5-10% to keep the diesel from turning to wax.

Modern diesels - DON'T DO THIS. You'll trash the high pressure pump because petrol is nowehere near as lubricating as diesel.

Definitely don't start it.