Gasoline and diesel engines work on similar principles, but there are some important differences, including the fact that diesel engines don't need spark plugs.

Runaway diesel engines happen when fuel is introduced into the engine from a source other than its fuel system, sometimes from a leak or broken seal. The fuel causes the engine to run out of control.

It’s hard to say exactly how long the 8V71 ran on diesel and water, but it’s safe to assume that it went on for several minutes with no major side effects.