Fuel System Issues:
- Diesel fuel has different properties than petrol, and its higher density makes it flow less freely through fuel lines and injectors designed for petrol. This can lead to fuel starvation and issues with fuel delivery, causing the engine to run lean and misfire.
Incomplete Combustion:
- Petrol engines are designed to ignite the air-fuel mixture with spark plugs, while diesel engines rely on compression to create enough heat for ignition. Diesel fuel doesn't vaporize as easily as petrol and does not ignite as readily with a spark. As a result, incomplete combustion can occur, leading to a loss of power, rough running, and excessive smoke from the exhaust.
Lubricity Issues:
- Diesel fuel has different lubricating properties than petrol. Petrol contains additives that provide lubrication for fuel injectors, pumps, and other fuel system components. Diesel fuel lacks these additives, and using it in a petrol engine can increase wear and tear on these components.
Engine Deposits:
- Diesel fuel may form deposits or soot inside the engine, including on pistons, valves, and injectors. These deposits can accumulate over time and eventually affect engine performance.
Compression Issues:
- Diesel fuel's higher density can put extra strain on the fuel pump and injectors, as they are not designed to handle the thicker fuel. Additionally, diesels are designed with higher compression ratios compared to petrol engines, and this mismatch can potentially damage engine components or cause pre-ignition.
Damage to Catalytic Converter:
- The unburned diesel fuel and higher emissions resulting from incomplete combustion can damage the catalytic converter, a crucial component responsible for reducing harmful emissions from the exhaust.
Given the potential risks, accidentally adding a significant amount of diesel (30 liters in this case) to a petrol engine requires immediate action to minimize damage. It's essential to contact a professional mechanic promptly to drain the fuel tank, replace fuel filters, clean fuel system components, and rectify any engine issues caused by the mix-up. It is strongly advised not to attempt to start or run the engine further before having it serviced.
