Petrol in a diesel car?
Don't start it, call us.

How do you drain petrol from a diesel tank?

Every car's a bit different. Some we drain straight from the fuel cap, some we need to get underneath, some have the tank in an awkward spot and we work around it. Doesn't really matter to you, we've done enough of them that we know what we're walking into before we get there.

Once we're on site, we drain the tank, flush the system and top you up with clean diesel. Then we start it, do a full system scan, listen to it, and make sure it's running like it should before we hand you back the keys. On site, usually 60 to 90 minutes depending on how much came out and the layout of the car.

Why is petrol in a diesel engine such a big deal?

Diesel lubricates the high pressure pump and injectors. Petrol has almost no lubricity. Run petrol through the common rail pump on a HiLux, Ranger, BT-50, Triton, Patrol, LandCruiser or any modern Euro diesel and the internal parts wear faster than they should. That is why we push so hard on not starting it. If you already have, most cars still come right after a proper drain, flush and running check.

I just did this. What do I do right now?

Do not start the engine. Do not turn the key. Push the car clear of the pump if you can safely, then call (08) 7083 9699. We answer 24/7 and dispatch straight away. Typically inside the hour across Adelaide metro, actual ETA quoted on the call.

What does it cost to fix petrol in a diesel?

From $400 for metro Adelaide callouts. Covers the drain, flush, EPA compliant disposal and refuel. You hear the exact number on the phone before we dispatch. No fix no fee, no card surcharge, no surprises on the invoice.

Do you cover the Hills, Barossa and Fleurieu?

Yes. Typically inside the hour across Adelaide metro when we are not backed up, closer to 30 minutes for the CBD, 60 to 90 minutes for the Hills and Barossa, 90 to 120 for the Fleurieu and Victor Harbor. Actual ETA quoted on the call. Same technician, same van, same phone number wherever you are stuck.

What do I get for that price?

We drain the tank, flush the system and put fresh diesel in. Then we run a full system scan, listen to the engine, and only hand the keys back once it's running like it should. You get a full comprehensive report on the job and a written invoice on the spot.

I have not started the engine yet, is that good?

Best possible outcome. Keep it off if you can. A cold drain is the cleanest job, straight in, straight out, no drama. If the engine has already run, still fixable on the spot, just call us and we go from there.

How long have I got before petrol damages the engine?

Not as instantly as people think. If you haven't started the engine, no damage is happening, the petrol is just sitting in the tank. A short crank or a minute of idle usually leaves you fine after a drain and flush. Actual damage risk starts once the pump has been running on petrol under load for a while, which is where repair bills can climb if not dealt with, and even then most cars recover with a proper drain, flush and running check. The rule of thumb, don't panic if you've started it, just stop driving and call us. The sooner we get on it, the better.

Will my insurance cover this?

Most comprehensive policies cover a wrong fuel misfill, either as accidental damage or a specific wrong fuel benefit. We give you a plain English invoice with EPA Licence 52359, service type and time on site, which is what insurers ask for. Call your insurer if you have time, but do not wait for their answer before we start work.