How can you tell if petrol has diesel in it?
In brief
A heavier, oily smell, darker or cloudier fuel, and a higher density than expected. Petrol engines running on it smoke heavily and misfire. Call 07950 582635 or send an enquiry.
What diesel in petrol does
Diesel will not ignite properly from a spark plug, so a petrol engine fouls its plugs and injectors, smokes and misfires, and the catalytic converter can be damaged.
If you find diesel in petrol
Stop using the fuel, keep it in a closed container away from drains and ignition sources, and note roughly how much there is. Yes, as mixed fuel, by reprocessing.
How City Fuel Services handles waste petrol
Send us the five details: business and postcode, roughly how much waste petrol there is, what it is and any contamination, how it is stored and reached, and whether you need one collection or regular ones. We assess it, confirm a rebate or a collection charge, and collect on a consignment note.
Terms used in this answer
- Diesel bug
- Bacteria and fungi that grow where water meets diesel in a tank. They form slime and sludge that block filters.
- Flash point
- The lowest temperature at which a liquid gives off enough vapour to catch light. Petrol's is around minus 40 °C; diesel's is above 55 °C.
| Problem | Diesel in Petrol |
|---|---|
| Recoverable? | Yes, as mixed fuel, by reprocessing. |
| Fuel | Petrol |
| Also called | gasoline, motor spirit, unleaded |
| Waste code | 13 07 02* (petrol) |
Related questions
- How do you stop diesel getting into petrol?
- Is petrol contaminated with diesel hazardous waste?
- Who collects petrol contaminated with diesel?
- Can you still use petrol with diesel in it?
- What happens to diesel-contaminated petrol after collection?
- What happens if diesel gets into petrol?
- How can you tell if petrol has water in it?
- How can you tell if petrol has phase-separated?
- How can you tell if petrol has coolant in it?
Official guidance: GOV.UK: hazardous waste.