Lots Of Damage Done To C5 Engine

[meandmyc5]

I was driving my C5 (1.6 HDI) the other day and lots of smoke started coming out of the engine, when I opened the bonnet there was a small flame inside which i put out myself. The mechanic said that I'm going to need a new turbo among other things, it's going to be an expensive fix.

 

My question is this, could it be caused by putting in the wrong fuel?

 

I stopped off at a filling station a few miles before the incident happened. I'm nearly sure I put in diesel but I can't be 100% of this.

 

No warning lights came on and even with the smoke coming out of the engine, the car drove perfectly.

 

Cheers for you help

[meandmyc5]

Just to add.

 

The AA's mechanic came about 90 mins later, he started the car and it started with no problem. My fuel light also was on when I put fuel into her.

[paul.h]

Welcome to the forum.

 

Your fuel receipt will say if it was diesel or petrol you put in. To have a fire there must have been a leak of fuel or oil or brake fluid and probably on to something hot to ignite it. Where and on what parts was the fire ?

 

This should be covered by your insurance so you should contact them and they will advise on what to do to get it repaired but I would insist on it going to a Citroen dealer, even though they are likely to say using their recommended repairer will give a longer guarantee.

 

Being a 1.6 hdi, any damage to the turbo can be expensive and some would even recommend replacing the engine. If it just needs a turbo and its associated parts the cost could be approaching £1000.

[meandmyc5]

Thanks for your reply.

 

The insurance company will only cover the costs only if it wasn't an electrical or mechanical problem.

 

I can't possibly think what else could have caused it.

 

The fire was towards the bottom, so I'd imagine it must have been oil or something dripping down. It actually burned a hole in the bottom of the car.

 

The insurance company are sending someone out to look at it,

 

I didn't get any receipt when I put fuel into her but when the mechanic from the AA started up the car, he more of less said that I didn't put petrol into it.