AdBlue is a diesel exhaust fluid that is used in modern diesel vehicles to reduce emissions. It is a mixture of water and urea and is injected into the exhaust system to break down harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx) into harmless nitrogen and water. However, what happens if you accidentally put AdBlue in a diesel tank? In this article, we will discuss what to do if this situation arises.
Stop Driving the Vehicle
The first thing to do if you accidentally put AdBlue in a diesel tank is to stop driving the vehicle immediately. This is because AdBlue is not designed to be used as fuel and can cause serious damage to the engine if it is used in this way. If you continue to drive the vehicle, it can lead to expensive repairs and even engine failure.
Do Not Start the Engine
Once you have stopped the vehicle, do not start the engine. This is because starting the engine will circulate the AdBlue throughout the fuel system, making the problem worse. It is important to prevent the AdBlue from reaching the engine as much as possible.
Contact a Professional
The next step is to contact a professional. Call your breakdown recovery service or a qualified mechanic who can come to your location and assess the damage. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action and can help to remove AdBlue from the fuel system.
Drain the Tank
If the AdBlue has only been added to a small amount of diesel, it may be possible to drain the tank and remove the AdBlue before it causes any damage. However, if the AdBlue has been added to a significant amount of diesel, it may be more difficult to remove. In this case, the tank may need to be completely drained and cleaned before it can be refilled with diesel.
Flush the Fuel System
Once the tank has been drained, it is important to flush the fuel system to remove any remaining AdBlue. This involves running clean diesel through the fuel system to flush out any AdBlue that may be present. This process may need to be repeated several times to ensure that all traces of AdBlue have been removed.
Replace the Fuel Filter
It is likely that the AdBlue will have passed through the fuel filter, so it is important to replace the filter once the fuel system has been flushed. This will ensure that any remaining traces of AdBlue are removed from the fuel system.
Refill the Tank with Diesel
Once the fuel system has been flushed and the fuel filter has been replaced, the tank can be refilled with diesel. It is important to ensure that the correct type of diesel is used – some vehicles require a specific type of diesel that is formulated to work with the engine.
Final Thoughts
While putting AdBlue in a diesel tank can be a frustrating mistake, it is not a catastrophic one. With the right steps taken promptly, you can avoid extensive damage to your diesel engine and get back on the road as soon as possible. Remember to contact a professional, drain the tank, flush the fuel system, replace the fuel filter, and refill the tank with diesel. With these steps taken, you can rest assured that your vehicle will be running smoothly once again, and you can enjoy the open road without any worries.
Need to drain a fuel tank? Fuel Fixer can help! We are the leading wrong fuel specialists, helping you get back on your journey in no time. We are proud to be one of the only fuel-draining companies that are able to offer the service of removing AdBlue from your car. Get in touch with us today!