No one wants to be stranded in their car, with the engine running but no fuel or oil to the hand pump. When you need a jump, there are several options available to you, such as pulling over to the nearest service station, getting a jump, or buying a new or recently manufactured car. But what if you have an older car that has a fuel drain that won’t work? i put 5 litres of petrol in my diesel car,Can it still be fixed? In most cases, yes.
A fuel drain is a mechanism that allows liquid to drain from your engine oil tank via a drain line that connects to the drain plug under the hood. The process is simple, but it can become blocked, especially if your car washes when parked. This usually happens if you have an older car or truck that doesn’t have an oil pan underneath. The oil and other fluids may accumulate in the engine, causing the drain plug to be obstructed.
It’s not uncommon for older vehicles to have this problem. Older cars tend to have drain lines that are made from metal rather than plastic, which can easily become clogged with mineral deposits. If this is the case, your mechanic can replace the drain line for you. It may be necessary to do so using an engine-mounted drain block instead of a suction hose. You can find them at auto part stores or even by searching the Internet.
Another option is to use a pump to force the oil through the system. There are two types of pumps you can use. One type has a plunger on its piston, and the other kind uses suction to force the liquid through. They come in many different sizes, including long and short styles. The long version is best for larger engines that can fit under your car’s hood. The short style may not fit under your hood but may be able to reach the back of the engine bay if you place it on the top.
Once you’ve repaired the drain, you’ll need to remove any sediments or clogs that may be in the pipes. Your mechanic will likely let you know how best to go about this. In most cases, the drainpipe is simply reattached to its post. Your job will then be to fill the drain with new oil and remove any sediments or clogs before reattaching it.
Installing a fuel drain kit is an easy task, but one you should only do if you’re confident in your ability to do so. Not only is it expensive, but it may also void your vehicle’s warranty. Check your owner’s manual for the exact instructions. For help locating the exact drain you need, check out our handy guide. It’s good for any fuel drain repair, no matter how complicated.