Filled with Petrol instead of Diesel

[smurfchops]

My car was just less than half full, by mistake and not thinking, I filled it with petrol instead of diesel, costing �40 (big car). Merc dealer would have cost an arm and a leg and took it to a friend who also deals with Mercs. He said he would empty it, but when we got the car back it was still half full, and doesn't run properly now. A bit 'clonky' if you know what I mean, and 'missing'. And there is a smell of petrol when we go in the garage. Took it out yesterday for a 30 mile run, but still not running 'right'. Should we let it run out of the mixture which is in it right now, or keep topping up with diesel? Thanks.

[NORMANTHEDOG]

just keep filling it up with diesel every day,it should be ok

[steve2010]

it should work its way out of the system in time,but keep topping it up daily

[smurfchops]

Many thanks.

[Dumbo#1]

You need to clarify with your friend what exactly was in the tank when you picked it up - had he drained it all and then filled it up with fresh diesel? If it was still the original mixture you should drain it out until it's empty - and then top it up with diesel.

[Toureman]

No good just draining it out, the whole fuel system should be flushed to avoid damage, especially to the pump, also filters should be changed.

Instead of taking it to a friend who doesn't know what he is doing you should have paid out at the Merc garage.

[smurfchops]

Fingers crossed, seems to be running better now, if there was too much petrol left in the tank, what is the worst scenario, and would it have conked out by now? Had a short run again yesterday and not 'missing' quite as much.

[knb36]

if it is new technology diesel it may never run properly or if okay at the moment a problem may well develop in time, draining and flushing is probably not the answer. replacement parts as recommended by the manufacturer may well be the only long term solution