No one can be immune to the mistake of filling up on the wrong fuel. Maybe you were trying to fill up at the gas station or chose the wrong pump. Regardless, if your vehicle has an drain fuel Tank, it can be a stressful situation.
Fortunately, fuel removal by professionals can often solve the issue before it becomes a serious problem. Drain Fuel Tank can be an important matter, particularly when dealing with cars that have sensitive fuel injection systems.
In this guide, MR Fuel Fixer describes why it is important to have fuel drained, how it is done and what to do if you do have the wrong fuel in your car.
What Does It Mean to Drain a Fuel Tank?
The process of Drain Fuel Tank is the process of getting unwanted or contaminated fuel out of a vehicle’s fuel tank. This typically occurs when someone accidentally puts the wrong fuel in their car, whether it’s filling up a petrol car with diesel or filling a diesel car with petrol.
Fuel contamination can also occur when the AdBlue product enters into the diesel tank, when fuel is contaminated with water or other non-compatible materials.
The contaminated fuel is safely and professionally removed using expert extraction equipment. They will also have to flush the fuel lines and other components (as needed based on the vehicle and the situation).
The goal is to eliminate the wrong fuel and reduce the risk of continued issues with the fuel and engine.
When Should You Drain Your Fuel Tank?
You might need to Drain Fuel Tank in a few circumstances:
1. Putting petrol in a diesel car.
This is one of the most frequent mishaps made in mishandling fuel. Important parts of the fuel injection system are lubricated by diesel fuel. Petrol will decrease this lubrication and can cause increased friction between moving components.
When the engine is started the fuel mixture can flow through the fuel pump and fuel injectors. This may result in costly mechanical issues.
2. Diesel in a petrol car
There is no fuel combustion in a petrol engine. It can affect the spark plugs and fuel system, causing the engine to misfire, produce smoke or stop running.
A worker can drain the bad fuel before all sorts of issues can arise.
3. Fill a Diesel Tank with AdBlue.
AdBlue must be used in a dedicated tank in compatible diesel-powered vehicles. Never put in the diesel fuel tank.
AdBlue contamination is a serious issue since it is not a fuel and can crystallise if it comes into contact with some of the components. Specialist cleaning and inspection may be necessary on the vehicle.
4. The use of contaminated fuel or old fuel.
Fuel can be contaminated by water or by being stored poorly. Stale fuel can also impact on engine performance in some circumstances.
A technician will be able to check the contamination and determine if the tank needs to be drained or if further work needs to be done.
How to Drain a Fuel Tank Professionally
Drain Fuel Tank requires suitable equipment and knowledge of vehicle fuel systems. It can differ from vehicle to vehicle and depends on the brand and model.
The typical fuel drain service procedure is as follows.
Step 1: Initial Vehicle Assessment
The first thing the technician does is to see what caused the problem. They might inquire what type of fuel, how much fuel, and if the engine was started were put in the tank.
The information is useful to assess the amount of contamination and the work involved.
Step 2: Safe Fuel Extraction
Technician uses special fuel extraction equipment to remove the wrong fuel from the tank.
This process helps minimize fuel spills and allows the contaminated fuel mixture to be safely collected.
Step 3: Fuel System Cleaning is the third step.
However, in some cases, draining the fuel from the fuel tank is not the best option.
If the fuel lines have been contaminated, the technician might have to flush the fuel lines and check other parts of the system that were affected. The actual cleaning process varies according to the type of fuel and whether or not the engine is running.
Step 4: Refueling; Using Proper Fuel.
After performing required cleaning, the technician refuels the vehicle with the right fuel.
Step 5: Final Checks
At the end, the technician inspects the vehicle and performs the necessary procedures before trying to re-start the vehicle.
Additional checks or repair work at the garage might be necessary when a different fuel has already caused mechanical damage.
Why You Should Not Drain a Fuel Tank Yourself
You may consider taking off the wrong fuel yourself. But this is not something that you should do without training and equipment.
Petrol is extremely flammable and the fumes it produces can be dangerous. Modern vehicles also come in various designs of tanks and fuel delivery system. Its improper handling may cause damage to its components or fuel spills.
There are some benefits to hiring professionals:
- Safety: Technicians use appropriate tools and equipment for fueling safely.
- Proper extraction: Special equipment is used to extract contaminated fuel from the tank.
- System inspection: Professional can assess if there is any further contamination in other parts of the system.
- Appropriate disposal: Contaminated fuel requires proper disposal.
- Reduced risk of further damage: The help of a professional minimizes the risk of damaging the property through the cleaning process.
This is why it is advisable to get in touch with a fuel recovery specialist instead of trying a fuel drain on your own.
What Should You Do Before Calling a Fuel Drain Service?
When you accidentally fill up with the wrong fuel, it’s important to take the proper steps to remedy the situation.
Follow these simple instructions:
- Avoid starting the engine. Keep it turned off to avoid the wrong fuel from flowing.
- Avoid turning on the ignition. Some modern vehicles use the ignition to turn on their fuel pumps.
- Notify the petrol station attendants. Describe the incident and request help in moving the vehicle, if necessary.
- Contact a professional. Specify the type of fuel added to the tank and the approximate volume added.
- Wait for assistance. Never try to drive or lift the fuel out of the tank.
If already driving, come to a safe stop as soon as possible, and turn off the engine.
Why Choose MR Fuel Fixer for Fuel Tank Draining?
If the problem is fuel type within the vehicle, a service that has a problem understanding and reacts quickly is required.
MR Fuel Fixer offer mobile wrong fuel recovery throughout the UK. It’s service includes Petrol to Diesel, Diesel to Petrol and AdBlue contamination.
Expect drivers to experience the following:
- 24/7 emergency assistance.
- On-site fuel-draining on a mobile basis.
- Professional fuel extraction equipment.
- Assistance with cars, vans and commercial vehicles.
- Flushing the fuel system as necessary.
- Proper handling and disposal of contaminated fuel.
The team can visit various areas which include petrol stations, homes, workplaces and roadside areas. In many appropriate scenarios, it is not necessary to bring the vehicle to a garage to fix the issue.
For support please contact 0735 959 9309 to speak to someone who can offer advice and support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does it take to drain a fuel tank?
The time to drain the fuel can varies from 30 to 60 minutes for a standard fuel drain. Time will vary, however, depending on the type of vehicle, vehicle tank type and contamination level. Extra flushing may be more time consuming.
2. Can I drain a fuel tank without removing it from the car?
Yes. A vehicle’s fuel tank can usually be emptied of fuel by professionals from the car with the use of specialist machinery, without having to take the tank out of the vehicle. The method is based on the design of the vehicle.
3. What happens if I drive with the wrong fuel?
Fueling with the wrong fuel can result in engine misfiring, poor engine performance, increased smoke and damage to fuel system parts. The damage is dependent on the fuel mixture and running time.
4. Can a professional drain petrol from a diesel tank?
Yes. A professional fuel drain technician is able to drain petrol from a diesel tank. They might also drain the contaminated fuel system prior to the use of the proper diesel fuel.
5. Is it safe to start my car after draining the fuel tank?
Only restart the vehicle after the necessary draining, cleaning and checks have been completed. Follow the technician’s recommendations: In certain cases, the technician might need to do more tests.
6. Can a mobile fuel drain service come to my location?
Yes. MR Fuel Fixer is a mobile fuel recovery service throughout the United Kingdom. Help may be provided at the petrol station, home, work site or road side.
7. Does draining a fuel tank remove all contaminated fuel?
Professional drain will extract contaminated fuel from the tank. If the engine has been started, however, some fuel may have flowed into the lines and other parts that is not correct. Further flushing may thus be required.
8. Can AdBlue be removed from a diesel fuel tank?
Yes, expert contamination removal might be feasible. The issue of contamination of AdBlue is however, to be analyzed with care since it may impact components of the fuel system. Additional cleaning/ repairs may be required.
Get Professional Fuel Draining Assistance Today
It doesn’t necessarily mean that you will be forced to get expensive engine fixes if you are using the wrong fuel in your vehicle. Quick response is the most important thing, and don’t attempt to start the engine.
A fuel drain specialist can remove the wrong fuel, and assist safeguard your vehicle from additional troubles. MR Fuel Fixer offers mobile support to motorists all over the UK and helps them to handle misfuelling incidents in a safe and efficient way.
Backed into by fuel? NEVER risk driving it. Call MR Fuel Fixer 0735 959 9309 for Professional Drain Fuel Tank Services 24/7.