Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Added winshield washer fluid to coolant by mistake

[jebia]

Not paying attention, and I added winshield washer fluid to the coolent overfloww bottle. I put in about 1/2 a gallon.



Do I need to drain the coolant or will it be ok?

 

[fkovalski]

Did you run it prior to dicovering the err? If so, just drain the over flow. Else- I would say if your protection is OK you might be alright. Both are water based so compatiblity of the fluid is there, but as to it affecting internal components- well, I'll let other chime in on that aspect as I'm not sure.

 

[jebia]

I added the washer fluid in the auto store parking lot, and then drove the truck 5 miles to my garage. The level is still full in the coolant overflow tank. I'm not sure if the coolant tank fluid has had a change to mix with the rest of it.



I think I'll just try to drain the overflow tank, and add a bit more coolent (to the level in the coolent tank).





thanks,



Jon

 

[SMorneau]

You could call an analysis laboratory maybe they can help. Otherwise I would dump it all. Its not that expensive to change compared to internal corrosion problems. Unless you can find an expert who says not to worry about it why not just change it.

 

[illflem]

As the engine warms the level in the overflow bottle increases. As long as you dumped it before it cooled and went back into the system you should be alright.

I did the same thing many years ago. After driving quite some time I saw a bunch of suds under the truck when it was parked. The overflow and top of the coolant in the radiator were full of bubbles. Flushed it out good, no problem.