Disaster :-(

[Ian]

I did what I know I shouldnt have done yesterday....I own and drive a diesel car and yes you know where this is going. I was on my way with a mate to the Royal Enfield open day, and knew I had to fill up the Monoshock with fuel. I stopped at my local filling station and went through the motions, mind elsewhere than it should have been....and yes I was about a mile down the road when it started spluttering and misfiring. OH S**T!!! I managed to limp the 4 miles home on "dual fuel" dumped it in the garage and went off to enjoy the day at Watsonians on the Bonnie. On arrival back home later on..I noticed an unusual aroma in the garage. Diesel had weeped out of the fuel tap. I dont know if it was coincidence but the lower fuel tap is now leaking (and removed some new paint off the Engine cover  in the process. I have a spare I think so it will be the quickest solution to replace for now. Question....does diesel have this effect on seals? I thought quite the opposite. Any info greatly accepted (Yes I have drained out and refilled with correct grade of fuel now!)

Embarassed Ian 

[Andy M]

Most Nitrile Rubbers are fine with either petrol or Diesel. I would expect the leak is a side effect of dual fuel running (did it vibrate or get hot?) rather than any chemical issues and thought that the timing would seem to confirm, it's too quick to really swell (usually takes 24 hours min) or age.

Andy

[Ian]

Thanks Andy. Bike didnt vibrate (well no more than normal for a single) and I only did about 4 miles at about 30mph. I have taken the fuel tap off now and notice that the non metallic spacer has a few (age related??) cracks in it. I will dismantle soon and see if I can make one.

Ian

PS Having taken the bike for a run last night it seemed to run smoother...perhaps I have found a new carb cleaner?

[tj63]

You're not alone.  I filled the Fazer tank with diesel one time.  Fortunately I realised before I started it up.  Biggest problem was getting rid of the unwanted fuel.


Trevor

[Ian]

.........  Biggest problem was getting rid of the unwanted fuel.


Trevor

I have been told it will be ok to use in the lawn mower mixed in with some unleaded. Mine is a side valve engine so I dont  think it will hurt (So Im relaibly informed....unless someone knows better!)

[Steve H]

.........  Biggest problem was getting rid of the unwanted fuel.


Trevor

I have been told it will be ok to use in the lawn mower mixed in with some unleaded. Mine is a side valve engine so I dont  think it will hurt (So Im relaibly informed....unless someone knows better!)

You may need to remove the air filter to get it to start. Mine was around 20% diesel mix. Apart from puffs of black smoke my DR750 ran ok on the mix as well.

[johnr]

.........  Biggest problem was getting rid of the unwanted fuel.


Trevor

I have been told it will be ok to use in the lawn mower mixed in with some unleaded. Mine is a side valve engine so I dont  think it will hurt (So Im relaibly informed....unless someone knows better!)

id have had it. my 1953 bsa sidevalve will run on upto 50/50 mix petrol and diesel. i got loads from friends when they ortheir partners misfuelled, and it made the beesa pop when it was cold and blow black smoke out, but it made no discernable difference to the performance. it was slow before and slow after, but the fuel was free so i didnt care too much!!