can a deisal engine run on petrol

[anant]

can a deisal engine run on petrol . So what are the effects

[Hippy]

It will go for a bit but burn itself to pieces after a short while. If you accidentally put petrol in the diesel tank for goodness sake don't run the vehicle but get the tank flushed out. The engine is more expensive than the wasted fuel.

[Jenny Tools]

No a diesel engine cannot and will not not run on petrol. If you have topped up with a small amount of petrol to diesel ratio it could run but chances are it would cause damage. The tank only needs to be drained (not flushed)and refilled, you could get away with topping right up with derv if the petrol was only a small amount.

[Mark1964]

I filled my BMW 3.0d sport with deisel when the tank was nearly empty. It drove for 40 miles on cruise control at 70 mph (a bit juddery as if I was running out of fuel) it came to a complete stop. I was recovered by BMW and the car went to their garage, I was told it had to have a complete new pipework, tank and pump + jets to ensure contamination was out of the system this I am told is standard with any make on all Deisels (brother is in the trade) COST �4950 !!! I took the risk of just asking them to drain the tank, cleaning the system and changing the filter topping up with diesel (advise from a mechanic) it started after a couple of turns, this cost �497 inc VAT. There was a risk that the engine could have siezed, the mechanic who advised me said he had done 50 or so ford cars without any problems. Check for pieces of metal in the tank when it is drained thyis is a sign that the High Pressure pump is damaged - Its a risk! however my car is running perfect now, I was may be just lucky. Good Luck!