Hi,
In a rather priceless moment of stupidity last night I put diesel in my petrol 325. I didn't start the car, just pushed it out of the way and waited for the RAC to tow me home.
The RAC bloke suggested I detach the fuel pipe of the fuel rail and short circuit the fuel pump relay and let the car pump itself dry into a jerry can.
Has anyone done this? Can anyone tell me which pins to short circuit to activate the pump?
Cheers
Rich
Diesel in the petrol tank
Moderator: martauto
Now as much as i dont like to admit it ive done this in the past aswell!! but i jacked up the car disconnected the pipe from the filler into the tank and syphoned out the diesel into a 5 gallon drum put petrol back in and away she went!! Hope that helps as an alternitive to the way you suggested! 

- Brianmoooore
- E30 Zone Team Member
- Posts: 49353
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
E30 fuel tank has a drain plug!
How much diesel is in there (as a percentage). Up to about 20% will be OK to drive as normal, but keep topping up with petrol as the level goes down.
How much diesel is in there (as a percentage). Up to about 20% will be OK to drive as normal, but keep topping up with petrol as the level goes down.
The tank was empty and I put in 20 litres as it was only when I put the pump down that I realised what I had done.
I did consider draining the tank from the plug but i don't have access to a lift or anything i can fit underneath. I was going to spyhone it but thought it would be easier for the fuel pump to do the job for me.
if anyone can tell me which pins to short circuit that would be great.
Cheers
Rich
I did consider draining the tank from the plug but i don't have access to a lift or anything i can fit underneath. I was going to spyhone it but thought it would be easier for the fuel pump to do the job for me.
if anyone can tell me which pins to short circuit that would be great.
Cheers
Rich
- Brianmoooore
- E30 Zone Team Member
- Posts: 49353
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Drain plug is right at the RH side, and is far enough off the ground to get something like a washing up bowl under it. Be sure to clean out the hex recess in the plug first, use a good quality hex socket, and use grips on the outside edge of the plug at the same time.
If you still want to pump it out, then pins 30 and 87 of the fuel pump relay socket.
Note that on a 325 you'll only drain out one side of the tank if the engine isn't running.
If you still want to pump it out, then pins 30 and 87 of the fuel pump relay socket.
Note that on a 325 you'll only drain out one side of the tank if the engine isn't running.
- Brianmoooore
- E30 Zone Team Member
- Posts: 49353
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Don't worry about the other side. Just drain what you can and then fill it right up with petrol.
If it was empty, and you only put in 20 litres, then there shouldn't be too much in the other side.
If it was empty, and you only put in 20 litres, then there shouldn't be too much in the other side.