Using diesel oil in petrol engines, advice please

happyhero · 25 September 2007 at 2:59PM

Hi I put this question here as it covers motoring so hope that is ok. I have the chance to buy some of that Shell Helix Ultra synthetic oil for Diesels but I have a petrol car.

I have been told that this oil has such a specification that it is so good that it is easily adequate for a petrol engine. As this could be an expensive mistake I would like to ask if anyone can confirm this and maybe point me to a link on the net that may confirm this is ok to do and as to how well it performs ie in relation to the correct Shell Helix Ultra synthetic stuff for petrol engines.

Any help appreciated.

Wig · 25 September 2007 at 3:03PM

You could find that the level of detergents in the diesel oil is too high for a petrol engine, it could clean your petrol engine and then oil leaks will occur because the dirt in the petrol engine was previously stopping the oil from leaking. also all the crud loosened by the detergent will find its way into places it shoul;dn't be like your hydraulic lifters for example.

Short and curlies is it is not a good idea to use diesel oil in a petrol engine.

wrong forum btw, should be in motoring.

happyhero · 25 September 2007 at 3:47PM

Ok thanks could someone move this post to motoring then please.

belfastgirl23 · 29 June 2008 at 4:13PM

Sorry to resurrect an old post but I realised just as I tipped in the last of the oil to my petrol car engine that it said diesel oil on the carton. It was tesco own brand I think. Should I take it to the mechanic or hope for the best? It's an old old peugeot 405 by the way (1994) Any help gratefully received....