Volkswagen Golf 2010 Broken Down Due to Mixed Fuel

L[Deactivated] on 13/08/2018 - 15:57
Last edited 13/08/2018 - 16:14 by 1 other user

Hi guys
I’m writing for a friend

My friends car completely broken down and got it towed to the mechanic to get it checked and they said that there was a mix of diesel and unleaded 98 in her fuel tank.

She doesn’t recall ever filling diesel and the mechanic is suspicious that it may be the petrol stations fault.
She doesn’t have receipts or anything

Is there anything she can do???
She has a Volkswagen 2010 golf

Mechanic suggestion is that she changes the engine .. or sell her parts
Costing her about 5.4k to change engine..
is it worth it ? Or should she should try sell her car parts instead

Automotive Car Mixed Fuel Volkswagen

closed Comments

  • Randxyz123 on 13/08/2018 - 16:20
    +16

    My friends car completely broken down and got it towed to the mechanic to get it checked and they said that there was a mix of diesel and unleaded 98 in her fuel tank.

    Uh Oh…. Diesel will completely screw a petrol engine.

    She doesn’t recall ever filling diesel

    Yeah I’m calling bs here. She could have been on auto pilot. Not noticed what pump she had and filled up her car.

    and the mechanic is suspicious that it may be the petrol stations fault.
    She doesn’t have receipts or anything

    This is really unlikely or there’d be 100s of cars with diesel not petrol in them.

    Go back to the petrol station. Ask the attendant nicely to view cctv from that day and you’ll know.

    • pegaxs on 14/08/2018 - 08:00
      +17

      Uh Oh…. Diesel will completely screw a petrol engine.

      Not sure if sarcastic or not… (And for the people reading this that think you're serious.)

      Either way, no, diesel fuel will not completely screw a petrol engine…

      • rave75 on 15/08/2018 - 13:49
        +2

        Yeah the other way around is correct though. Putting petrol to diesel engine is disastrous.

    • blawler05 on 14/08/2018 - 09:35
      +21

      I find it hard to believe, you cant fit a Diesel nozzle into the fuel tank of a petrol car. They are different sizes, i think the Diesel one is to large. She would have to have been completely oblivious. Makes the wrong fuel wrong pump story more plausable to me.

      Also if you do manage to fill up with Diesel, just empty the fuel tank, fill it with petrol and crank the engine a few times. It will clear the Diesel out. Should not affect the engine in a way that it requires a complete replacement.

      5.4k for a replacement engine seems like a good price. Replacement engine on my Audi (basically the same engine LOL) was $28,500

      Alot of this story just doesnt add up to me. I am thinking dodgy mechanic maybe?

      • esty on 14/08/2018 - 11:33
        +1

        correct, the diesel nozzle is completely different, and if i recall, the diesel latch to get it flow is also different.

      • affable on 14/08/2018 - 11:55

        There are 2 sizes of diesel nozzle, I think the smaller would go in a petrol filler just fine although many seem to disagree.

        https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/what-to-do-if-you-pu…

        • dazweeja on 14/08/2018 - 23:00
          -7

          Not sure where you got the idea that there's two sizes of diesel nozzle? There's one in Australia and it's much too big to fit in a petrol car.

        • Bushbasha on 15/08/2018 - 06:32
          +16

          @dazweeja: there is actually two sizes, normal flow and high flow.

        • dazweeja on 15/08/2018 - 10:14
          +1

          @Bushbasha:

          I stand corrected and I'll take the negs. The normal flow ones like at my local are still too big for a petrol car though so I don't understand the positive votes for affable's comment.

        • ChickenTalon on 15/08/2018 - 14:05

          @dazweeja: A Normal flow diesel nozzle will not fit into a petrol car.

          Yes there is high-flow diesel with an even larger nozzle, which won't fit into a regular flow diesel.

        • Bushbasha on 15/08/2018 - 14:20

          @dazweeja:

          You're correct, the diesels are normally to big to fit into a petrol tank, for that exact reason to not be confused and fill up the wrong one but it does happen somehow.
          (fwiw I didn't neg you)

      • [Deactivated] on 14/08/2018 - 19:55
        -2

        Lol, your Audi engine replacement did not cost $28k. A Porsche 911 engine is not that expensive.

        • [Deactivated] on 15/08/2018 - 10:46
          +2

          @josho9: A rare 1976 air cooled boxer engine is hardly the same thing as currently in production water cooled flat six. Anyway, there is no way in hell a 2.0 Diesel engine in an Audi cost anything like $28k. Whoever said that is in cloud coo koo land.

        • stumo on 15/08/2018 - 10:58
          +2

          @Burnertoasty:
          At the dealer including labour, 28k is bang on for a modern euro diesel. I know Mercedes charges 22k for a 2l diesel in a sprinter van, which is a much easier job. The engine alone they charge around 16k for.

        • [Deactivated] on 15/08/2018 - 14:08
          -3

          @stumo: Those prices are complete bullshit, after a few years the car isn’t worth that much. Here is a website with new VW crate engines, (the same engines as in an Audi), around $5000 USD for the best ones

          http://www.gex.com/vw-passat-engines.htm

        • YellowDieselGolf on 15/08/2018 - 14:25
          -1

          Yeah, nah.

          Source: 911 owner.

        • [Deactivated] on 15/08/2018 - 19:24
          -2

          @YellowDieselGolf: ok sure.

        • blawler05 on 16/08/2018 - 08:52

          I will happily show you the receipts if you want. It most certainly did cost 28k

    • ascorbic on 14/08/2018 - 20:52
      +1

      It's happened before that a petrol station accidentally refilled their unleaded tank with diesel, so I wouldn't immediately label it as BS. However, if that were the case in this instance, I'd expect it to be on the news depending on how many cars were affected before the station realised.

    • brendanm on 15/08/2018 - 11:26
      +3

      Diesel in a petrol engine does nothing except stopping it from running until the fuel is flushed out, you fear mongering goose. Petrol in a diesel can cause issues, but generally doesn't.

  • Gronk on 13/08/2018 - 16:22
    +3

    She doesn’t recall ever filling diesel and the mechanic is suspicious that it may be the petrol stations fault.

    I'm interested as to how that could be the case, since the days of old fashioned service stations are long behind us so we're all responsible for the fuel which goes in our vehicles.

    You might be able to go back to the last place she purchased fuel and request a re-print of the receipt if you can provide specifics such as transaction date, time and payment method, but that's about the best I can come up with.

    • SydStrand on 13/08/2018 - 17:05
      +2

      I'm interested as to how that could be the case, since the days of old fashioned service stations are long behind us

      I think she's suggesting that the station connected the wrong tank, so she unwittingly pumped Diesel. Which I doubt. 99% chance OP's friend just goofed.

      • fantombloo on 13/08/2018 - 20:45
        +4

        I don't think a diesel nozzle will fit in a petrol opening.

        • SydStrand on 13/08/2018 - 21:28

          I'd believe that before I believe the servo incorrectly hooked their lines (which I'd also imagine has its own fail-safes), and OP's friend was seemingly the only one who was affected.

      • smartazz104 on 14/08/2018 - 13:41

        There is a better chance she might pump unleaded into a diesel car rather than the other way around. Most people wouldn't grab the diesel nozzle mistakenly IMHO.

  • vinni9284 on 13/08/2018 - 16:24
    +7

    That's why I always get a receipt for all the fuel from the Service Station.
    Just in case if you want to review and also have proof of contaminated fuel from that station.
    Card Payment would only display cost however going by the c/pl you can ascertain the fuel cost on the day.

    Diesel pumps has a mistake proofing system these days.

    1 - Push a lever to release the nozzle.
    2 - Press a button to pour fuel.

    What are the chances of your friend overriding two systems due to being on auto-pilot?

    Cheers

    • zonra on 13/08/2018 - 16:57
      +11

      What are the chances of your friend overriding two systems due to being on auto-pilot?

      As someone who’ve worked in a petrol station, very high chance.
      It baffles me how people do it, but it happens more than you think.
      I think it’s either when they have/drive multiple cars that use different fuel types and forgot which uses which, or just don’t look altogether.
      Most try to blame the station and/or its attendant though, just like this post is suggesting.

      • vinni9284 on 13/08/2018 - 18:50

        I think it’s either when they have/drive multiple cars that use different fuel types and forgot which uses which, or just don’t look altogether.

        I think that this seems to make sense. Especially if one is filled immediately after the other.

        I can remember that when I owned two cars, a Holden and a Ford (I like both brands by the way :P) and they had the fuel cap located on the opposite side to each other. On multiple instances I parked on the opposite sides of the bowser.

        I think the OPs friend stuffed up here IMO.

        Cheers

    • Randxyz123 on 13/08/2018 - 17:20
      -1

      What are the chances of your friend overriding two systems due to being on auto-pilot?

      Maybe her partner or parents or friend had or has a diesel car and she dun f-ed up.

      Maybe see if she can get another quote. There’s no point towing it all over the place. Take it to her regular mechanic…

    • Mike88 on 14/08/2018 - 21:23
      +3

      You give people too much credit. Most people are dumber than they look and make ridiculous mistakes all the time

    • [Deactivated] on 15/08/2018 - 22:28

      She paid by cash and did not ask for receipt.
      She went to the petrol station to ask for receipt and they wouldn’t provide it to her even though she remembered the day and time she went there . Said it’s been too long since she filled .. about a week now ?

  • Presence on 13/08/2018 - 16:25
    +7

    Diesel in a petrol engine is much better than the other way around.

    Something sounds suspicious.

    What exactly is broken with the engine?

    For an almost 9 year old VW you'd be better not to repair at that price.

    Does her insurance cover wrong fuel?

    • vinni9284 on 13/08/2018 - 16:35
      -1

      Does her insurance cover wrong fuel?

      No Chance!

      It's like leaving your keys in your car accidently and it gets stolen.

      These days, you are lucky if they honour a legitimate claim LOL.

      Cheers

    • beeawwb on 13/08/2018 - 19:52

      It depends on the insurer. Always check the PDS.

      But for example, this Choice report on contaminated fuel mentions that (at the time of publishing in August 2016) NRMA and GIO would cover this, while AAMI and Just Car would not.

      • vinni9284 on 13/08/2018 - 20:25
        +1

        at the time of publishing in August 2016

        Suncorp = GIO = AAMI = Just Car Insurance … etc
        https://www.suncorpgroup.com.au/about/brands

        Edit:

        Under General Exclusions Page 29 - GIO PDS

        "Incorrect fuel usage
        loss or damage to your car (including damage to your car’s engine or fuel system) caused by the
        incorrect type of fuel being used."
        https://www.gio.com.au/documents/car-and-vehicle/car/gio-car…

        Here is a link for the PDS of NRMA; PDS Car Insurance Sept 2017

        https://www.nrma.com.au/sites/nrma/files/nrma/policy_booklet…

        When you get a chance, can you kindly assist me in locating where is says it covers contamination (Comprehensive Car Insurance section) as I can't find it?

        It seems like 2016 was so old-school and both of those claimed Insurance companies don't cover it anymore :P

        Thanks

        • beeawwb on 14/08/2018 - 12:06

          Yeah I had a look at the NRMA one last night and I couldn't find anything saying they'd cover it, but then at the same time I couldn't find anything saying they wouldn't.

          I think it comes down to how they define "accidental damage" i.e. Accidental Damage is more than just collisions, as it is with some insurers. Note how NRMA list "Accidental Damage" separate to "Collision or Crash". Or another example for CGU PDS https://www.cgu.com.au/sites/default/files/media/2e97a085-10… says "We will cover your vehicle for accidental damage, including damage as a result of a collision." (i.e. Accidents are more than collisions) and they don't specifically exclude fuel contamination in the general or specific exclusions.

          But that's just my general interpretation of what I'm reading, safest is to ask the insurer directly.

        • vinni9284 on 14/08/2018 - 15:49

          @beeawwb:

          When it comes to PDS or any conditions, it has to be worded explicitly.
          Therefore as noted above my thread GIO explicitly states incorrect fuel usage otherwise I would not guess and hope for the best if it is not explicit. Accidental damage focuses more on physical damage. It can be interpreted in many different ways .. hence the Grey Zone.
          I would receive clarification and in writing.

          Otherwise, if you claim they will wriggle out of paying.
          Many Grey areas … there is a reason why insurance companies are so lucrative. IMO it is a scam.

          Note: Ppl who work for Insurance on this thread are most welcome to neg :P
          Thank you in advance.

          Cheers

        • beeawwb on 14/08/2018 - 16:39

          @vinni9284: I agree that it has to be worded explicitly, but I tend to look at it differently. For an insurer to rely on a condition or exclusion it must be explicitly stated and if it isn't that should be in the favour of the insured in the event of a dispute.

          This FOS determination isn't exactly in line with what we're talking about since it deals with a modified engine but it does go so far as to say that accidental insertion of the wrong kind of fuel would be considered under Accidental Damage.

          }12. The key issue for consideration is to determine the cause of the damage to the applicant’s vehicle and whether it was due to accidental damage petrol contamination or whether it was due to the engine modifications and/or normal wear and tear.
          }14. […] The FSP […] clarified in its Notice of Response to this office that “if fuel contamination could be proven, the insured would have a valid claim for accidental damage”.

          I know it's not exactly a new dispute, having been heard in 2010, but the wordings involved used look pretty similar to current ones (to my eyes.) So in that specific case the lack of an exclusion for fuel contamination, combined with an Accidental Damage coverage is what's relevant.

        • vinni9284 on 14/08/2018 - 16:47

          @beeawwb:

          Thanks for the link.

          I understand your point.

          I'm glad the claimant won this time.
          I can also imagine how much tiresome work the claimant had to jump over hoops to gather information to fight this case.

          However, regardless of this report, in future I would have it in writing explicitly … so you can save time like this poor bugger did for them to pay out.

          Cheers

        • beeawwb on 14/08/2018 - 17:00

          @vinni9284: Completely agree, the insured shouldn't have had to jump through hoops - and a great way to prevent that is to get it explicitly in writing.

        • gtech on 15/08/2018 - 23:25

          @vinni9284:
          I work in the vicinity ;-)

          Let's just say that if it not explicitly mentioned that in the PDS then you are at the mercy of the insurer.

          If it stated in the PDS you re still at the mercy of the insurer but you have some leverage.

    • [Deactivated] on 14/08/2018 - 09:16

      She drove her car when it has mixed fuel.. I think that would’ve (profanity) it up? I don’t know anything about cars but the mechanic said that and it’s her friends mechanic .. so I’m sure she can trust them right ???

      • zonra on 14/08/2018 - 09:46

        her friends mechanic .. so I’m sure she can trust them right ???

        Her friend’s mechanic? Definitely not
        Her mechanic friend? I’l still go with no

        Either way try and get some quotes.

    • [Deactivated] on 15/08/2018 - 22:29

      Nope , her insurance doesn’t cover. She called and they said not covered

  • PissLUR on 13/08/2018 - 16:25

    is your friend from Perth, WA?

    There was a rumor about a bowser mix-up on 6pr 1-2 weeks ago.

    • [Deactivated] on 14/08/2018 - 09:14

      Nope, this is in Melbourne

      • kinpe on 14/08/2018 - 15:16

        She's not in the northern suburbs is she? I know there were issues with dirty fuel at a service station in Greenvale a few weeks back that caused a lot of damage.

  • whooah1979 on 13/08/2018 - 16:40
    +24

    or sell her parts

    Sell her parts to change the engine is a bit drastic. How about a personal loan?

    • zonra on 13/08/2018 - 16:59
      +1

      Thanks for genuine lol.

  • onevstheworld on 13/08/2018 - 16:40
    +5

    AFAIK the diesel nozzle shouldn't fit into a petrol car… so she'd have to be very determined to make that mistake.

    As far as solutions, I thought you could completely flush the fuel system to get the diesel out and save the engine. A petrol engine shouldn't be able to ignite diesel, so there shouldn't be serious damage to the engine block or pistons… but there may be damage to the rest of the fuel system… fuel pump, injectors, etc

    https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/www.carsguide.com.au/car-adv…

    • Mike88 on 14/08/2018 - 21:26
      +1

      I can’t say i have tested the nozzles but have been in line at the service station and over heard the attendant explaining to the customer that they have filled their car from a diesel bowser instead of Petrol.
      Have seen this happen twice so can’t be that hard.

  • djkelly69 on 13/08/2018 - 16:41
    +2

    Is it the friend's usual mechanic, or a random one? I would be getting a second opinion from a mechanic I trust.

  • whooah1979 on 13/08/2018 - 16:47
    +8

    a mix of diesel and unleaded 98 in her fuel tank.

    How did the workshop find the octane rating on the fuel? Did they happen to have spectrometer on standby?

    This sounds more like a case of them seeing a euro being towed in the front door and rubbing their hands with $ signs in their eyes.

    • donga100 on 13/08/2018 - 19:17
      +2

      It doesn't make sense finding P98 fuel in the tank either. Why would you put that in your tank instead of P95 that the car requires?

      • shiznit on 15/08/2018 - 11:43
        +1

        Nothing wrong with using a higher grade than your engine's minimum requirement. It should make it run a bit better.

      • [Deactivated] on 15/08/2018 - 22:41

        Cause she’s driving turbo

    • [Deactivated] on 14/08/2018 - 09:20
      +1

      She visited two mechanics. The first one was her cousins when they serviced it.
      Filled up petrol next day
      Day after drove it and heard rattling noises. Then tried to start her car the next day and it wouldn’t start at all.
      Literally serviced it.
      Got it towed to another friend mechanic cause ‘cousins’ mechanic seemed unreliable.
      And they said it wouldn’t start cause there was mix fuel which stuffed up her fuel pump and engine or something .

      • cameldownunder on 14/08/2018 - 13:49
        +12

        Did the cousin pour some Diesel in the car from a jerry-can, because the car was almost empty ?
        That would explain the nozzle thing and the "Filled up with petrol the next day" and cannot remember anything.

        • [Deactivated] on 15/08/2018 - 22:30

          I wouldn’t know cause I’m sure if they did that they wouldn’t admit it either

      • lozbargain on 15/08/2018 - 06:42
        +9

        If my car wouldn't start the day after a service, I'd be thinking it was the first mechanic.

        • [Deactivated] on 15/08/2018 - 22:14

          Yeah but it was her cousins mechanic. She doesn’t want to go on a blame game

        • [Deactivated] on 15/08/2018 - 22:14

          Yeah but it was her cousins mechanic. She doesn’t want to go blaming them . I don’t even know why she wouldn’t confront them for it. I’m just looking for answers as to what are her options now.. :/

        • BartholemewH on 15/08/2018 - 23:11

          @Evawux3:
          Why would there be a problem with querying her 'cousins mechanic'? Will her cousin be mortally wounded? Shouldn't her cousin be more concerned that they are recommending a shit mechanic?

        • resisting the urge on 16/08/2018 - 01:46

          @BartholemewH: Mechanics related or acquainted are statistically more likely to commit errors than a randomly chosen one IMHO. And more likely to be plain stupid too.

          OP: Just tell her to take it to a Pro. Contamination is no big deal unless it's sugar or a strong acid that has been in there too long.

          Most are not able to diagnose complex problems in cars they are not intimately familiar with, and stay in business. Remember, time is money so incorrect over assessments cost zero. Cheap assessments (under) can cost them days of labour and even parts.

          I know my EFI reasonably well, and Diesel in a TSi is not as disastrous as some say. A thorough fix is to drain tank, drain fuel system, remove injectors and flush with a litre or three of fuel. Inspect injectors in a cleaning machine, and clean if needed, then reinstall. Refill immediately with 98 and away you go.

          Any mechanic can do that in a under a day, as none will bother checking the injectors thoroughly. All will add a bottle of injector cleaner (additive) in the tank and charge you for it though. So about $1000 inc fuel is more likely. At the end of the day, petrochemicals mix, so thicker ones dilute and flush out given half a chance.

          A bad VW dealer might charge $5k, not because they are VW, because they are a greedy and/or mismanaged dealer (and have to get it right no matter how hopeless the place is).

  • shaybisc on 13/08/2018 - 17:01
    +4

    She doesn't remember … tee hee. Can you imagine if a service station screwed up and people got diesel out of a petrol pump? It would be the on the nightly news.

    • pegaxs on 13/08/2018 - 17:42
      +1

      Exactly. It would have affected a number of vehicles and made at least the local news…

  • sleepy le beef on 13/08/2018 - 17:23
    +5

    Firstly you shouldnt be able to put diesel in as the nozzle is larger and shouldnt fit in the tank filler. It also shouldnt cause the write off of the engine. It would need a good flush, change fuel filter and spark plugs and maybe good clean of the sensors. Will be a bit smoky on start up as it burns the diesel residue.

    • macrocephalic on 15/08/2018 - 10:21
      +1

      Probably would have ruined the cat as well (assuming it wasn't already - as they aren't that difficult to kill).

  • neo on 13/08/2018 - 17:28
    +1

    I call BS and say your friend has dun goofed

  • pegaxs on 13/08/2018 - 17:30
    +14

    Mechanic suggestion is that she changes the engine

    Hahahahahha… change the engine to diesel so it can use the fuel in the tank? :D

    There is no way the wrong fuel would ruin an engine. Drain the tank. Fill with correct fuel, purge it through and continue as normal..,

    Petrol in a diesel car could cause some damage, but not diesel in a petrol…

    • [Deactivated] on 15/08/2018 - 22:31

      Mechanic did that , flushed it and still not starting up

      • BartholemewH on 15/08/2018 - 23:13
        +1

        Get a second opinion.

  • M1ndFu7 on 13/08/2018 - 17:43

    As per comments above, diesel in a petrol car is not actually as harmful as the other way around. If not mistaken it is due to lower compression ratio of a petrol car. I have known a golf owner who had made the same mistake and got everything fix up with some $$. Its not going to be cheap but maybe cheaper than replacing a car which is still worth ~10k at a guess?

    Pretty sure it wouldnt need an engine replacement. send the car to a different mechanic for a second opinion.

    Also it is strange that the nozzle of a diesel fuel pump can be put into the petrol car as per mentioned by sleepy. I have been told that the nozzle size are different as i was worried my wife would make a mistake filling up as she has a diesel car after many years of owning a petrol car. From memory, i was told that the nozzle of diesel pump is larger but does have some sort of tab, such that it would not be able to fit a petrol car, but at the same time the tab is required to unlock the flaps of a diesel car. Cant be 100% sure.

  • AdosHouse on 13/08/2018 - 18:09
    +4

    I can't see how diesel would ruin a petrol engine. It won't achieve the compression needed for proper burn. It should just be pushed out the exhaust. Destroy the cats, probably.

    Agree with others, find another mechanic.

  • HighAndDry on 13/08/2018 - 18:31

    She doesn’t recall ever filling diesel and the mechanic is suspicious that it may be the petrol stations fault.

    Highly unlikely - if that ever happened, there'd be a crowd of angry motorists outside that petrol station. And of course she doesn't remember filling it up with diesel - it's not like she would've done it deliberately.

  • Lexan on 13/08/2018 - 18:40
    +3

    Any women can easily fall into the hands of mechanic. Maybe they wanted to charge her a $4000 bill for something else to fix. I would say try another mechanic to confirm the engine problem.

    • barkingsparrow on 15/08/2018 - 09:58
      +2

      Any Women

      Any person not familiar with cars

      FTFY

      • macrocephalic on 15/08/2018 - 10:24

        True, but I see that mechanics are more likely to prey on women.

        • BartholemewH on 15/08/2018 - 23:13

          Not any women related to an ozbargainer lol.

  • onevstheworld on 13/08/2018 - 20:36
    +13

    @OP
    Another possible explanation: Could there have been a miscommunication between you and your friend? I.e. could she have a diesel Golf and accidentally filled it with petrol?

    Reasoning:
    Diesel Golfs were quite popular a few years back
    There are no fail-safes to prevent accidentally filling a diesel car with petrol - much easier to do.
    Petrol in a diesel car does wreck the engine to the point of needing replacement - hence the mechanic's recommendation.

    • AdosHouse on 14/08/2018 - 00:02

      Now there is a much more plausible scenario.

      I'm no engine mechanic, but I would imagine that the petrol would ignite while the piston was still in the compression cycle, and wreck havoc on the rod and crank.

      • pegaxs on 14/08/2018 - 07:54
        +2

        You are semi right… Diesel engines will run on petrol, so be it very poorly and with a lot of noise and rattling.

        The problem with diesel engines is the high pressure pumping units used on diesels. These need to be lubricated and cooled. Diesel is a light oil and does a great job of this. Petrol on the other hand is the opposite. It does not lubricate the pump and this in turn causes the pump to run dry. This can cause failure of the high pressure pumping element. And on today's modern common rail diesel engines, these pumps can run into the thousands pretty quickly if damaged.

        So no, petrol in a diesel engine won't harm the rod and crank, but it could kill the high pressure fuel pump.

        And I agree, it's more likely that they put petrol in a diesel car than diesel in a petrol.

        • dust on 15/08/2018 - 15:34
          +1

          This seems to match OP's comment:

          She visited two mechanics. The first one was her cousins when they serviced it.
          Filled up petrol next day
          Day after drove it and heard rattling noises. Then tried to start her car the next day and it wouldn’t start at all.
          Literally serviced it.
          Got it towed to another friend mechanic cause ‘cousins’ mechanic seemed unreliable.
          And they said it wouldn’t start cause there was mix fuel which stuffed up her fuel pump and engine or something .

    • geech on 14/08/2018 - 15:14

      I used to own a 2010 diesel engine VW Tiguan, and according to my VW service department they were fitted with sensors in the fuel lines that would cut the fuel if it detected petrol instead of diesel.

      I would assume the same vintage Golf would have a similar system. I can't say for certain that this system existed as I always filled it with the correct fuel.

  • gbarlett on 14/08/2018 - 08:14
    +4

    Cant add Diesel to a petrol engine vehicle built after 1986. Diesel nozzle is too big and wont fit in the filler neck of an unleaded vehicle, so not sure how this occured. i am in the automotive industry and struck this many times, usually unleaded added to Diesel. My advice, first call your insurer and see if they will cover accidental misfuel. If they dont and you want to get out of it cheep, empty the fuel tank and flush the fuel lines. Add unleaded fuel and cross your fingers. it will run like a hairy goat for a while and with any luck it will improve.
    There was also a previous comment above which i disagree with
    "there are no fail-safes to prevent accidentally filling a diesel car with petrol - much easier to do".
    there are devices that can be used called a misfuel device https://www.raa.com.au/shop/caravan-camping-and-4wd/off-road…
    It simply replaces your fuel cap on a diesel car.

      • Herbse on 14/08/2018 - 19:45
        +1

        I've read every PDS for car insurance I've ever bought and never read about accidental fuel mixture cover. I'd be interested to see if this is a thing since insurance doesn't cover mechanical breakdowns.

        The rest of the advice is great if you have a cheap, older car, you're really low on cash and you don't really care if it dies off.

        If you don't clean out/replace the filters, injectors, fuel tank, pump and fuel lines properly. You're going to run the risk of continuous poor fuel mixtures and lead to knock, detonation and deteriate your combustion chamber and possibly damage your pistons.

        I wouldn't say that's the best advice you've got so far. It appears to be the closest answer to what you've been looking for. Which is the least amount of effort and least money spent up front.

        The common consensus on here appears to be get more quotes and fix it properly.
        But whatever.

        Best of luck

    • M1ndFu7 on 14/08/2018 - 11:41

      Thanks for sharing. Very useful info.

      If not mistaken, some of the more recent diesel engine cars have inbuilt misfueling protection. Not sure about a 2010 golf though..

  • drprox on 14/08/2018 - 13:16

    Sorry mate your friend is a goose. Would be rather large news is a servo mixed this up. Not one broken down golf.

  • Bid Sniper on 14/08/2018 - 14:08

    Happens to a co worker but with water, did she pay by card? If so then there is the receipt and proof for insurance.

  • Tobias on 14/08/2018 - 14:45
    +4

    OP should ask their friend two questions: Is the VW diesel and did they fill up with petrol?

    I think the VW is diesel and OP friend filled with petrol because OP wrote that the day after filling the driver "heard rattling noises".

    From experience with engine-easy-start spray cans on diesels, I would expect petrol to prematurely ignite in diesels and that'll make lots of loud rattling noises.

    Failure to start the next day was probably caused by fuel injector pump failure because petrol doesn't contain any/enough sulfur and that's used as a lubricant in diesel fuel injector pumps.

    • stumo on 14/08/2018 - 16:31
      +2

      Failure to start the next day is because the engine has cooled down and it wont compression ignite the petrol anymore.

  • Okayy on 14/08/2018 - 16:10
    +1

    Hi OP I manage a service station in and out tanks are not joined in anyway that the product could mix, avg station gets 100s of car each day, would suggest you go get the receipt of the transaction and claim it to the HO of the fuel company. We keep at least 35 days data on site and with legislative purposes 24months of record of wet stock. I don’t think so it’s petrol station.

    • [Deactivated] on 15/08/2018 - 22:36

      Hello,
      She went to ask for receipt but they wouldn’t give her one. They said it’s been too long since. (Been a week) .

  • DarkOz on 14/08/2018 - 16:53
    +1

    A friend of my filled up her petrol car with diesel and she made it back to the front of her house before the car broke down. Got it towed away and $1,000 to fix the problem.

    • [Deactivated] on 15/08/2018 - 22:43

      What did they do to your friends car to fix it ??

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