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Accidently added windscreen clear concentrate into fuel tank

I must be the first person make such mistake as I could not find any mention of such an incident over the internet.

BHPian Brumby recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I must be the first person make such mistake as I could not find any mention of such an incident over the internet. Probably it is somewhat similar to adding ethanol or sugar in the fuel.

Today I accidentally added VW "Windscreen Clear Concentrate (will write it as WCC henceforth)" in fuel tank of my Polo GT TSI.

The ratio of mixture in the fuel tank is about 100ml of WCC in 30 litres of petrol 0.1:30 or 0.0033% by volume.

Though I am a very careful person, I cannot mention under what circumstances this happened.

Studied a lot about this mixture and found that it is a mixture of about 80-85% Ethanol and 7-10% of ethylene glycol, rest is something I could not find on the internet.

The WCC is soluble in gasoline, and Ethanol is a component that is being added to gasoline to reduce emissions. GOI is considering to increase the content of ethanol to about 20% blend in the petrol sold in India in next 5 years. I mentioned this to get some favourable posts for first option that I am considering

I am definitely a bit worried, but would like to know from the experts if I have a reason to worry.

Following are the things that I am considering:

  • Drive the car and consume about 80% of the tank contents.
  • Drain all the fuel, flush the tank and re-fuel which will require intervention of VW workshop. The nearest VW workshop is about 15 km from my place.
  • Any other action as per expert advice.

I have not yet contacted VW service regarding this matter, as the tendency of the ASS is normally to exaggerate matters rather than provide simple solutions.

My request to the members to please advise what should be my course of action.

Here's what BHPian ajmat had to say on the matter:

I would fill the tank up completely, keep driving till 3/4 full, fill up, carry on and repeat cycle. Don't think it is an issue. Change the fuel filter early if you can.

Here's what BHPian gkveda had to say on the matter:

Suggest to call a local mechanic to home and ask him to empty the tank. As I know, any local car mechanic will have the Setup to drain the entire fuel from tank. He will use a small pump and suck all the fuel from the tank till the last layer. Once fuel is out, you can put fresh fuel of 1-2 litres and repeat the sucking process. If you are in Bangalore, I can suggest a mechanic who can help you in and around South Bangalore.

This will ensure all adulterated fuel is 99.9% out. Once it is done, you can fill fresh fuel and drive without any worries.

There's no need to visit ASC. They will suggest to remove the tank and clean. This will be very costly affair compared to my suggestion.

Mechanics usually charge a couple of hundreds to drain the fuel completely.

Suggest not to start or drive the car at any cost. We do not know how Windshield cleaner reacts with fuel and impact engine.

Here's what BHPian Indian2003 had to say on the matter:

No worries. Just drive the car. I put in about 20 litres of petrol in a diesel car by mistake at work once. I just added a litre of 2-stroke oil into the tank and topped up with 60 litres of diesel and drove on.

The mileage when it happened was about 100,000 km and showed 675,000 when I left the place.

In your case, I would try to dilute it with petrol at every opportunity.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

 
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