Did something really stupid-help! - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

docdyh · 04-01-2007, 11:53 AM

I put windshield washer fluid in the coolant overflow reservoir-then drove the car. Once I realized what I had done, I siphoned off the amount I added from the reservoir. Seems to run okay-any serious damage done or to be expected? Thanks in advance.

kabel · 04-01-2007, 12:08 PM

If this is not an April fools joke, I would guess you really need to flush out the entire coolant system before driving it again, period. Window washing fluid is a detergent and will likely degrade the effectiveness of the lubricants in the coolant....

Tool Pants · 04-01-2007, 12:20 PM

All those blue caps look the same.

Reminds me of the blonde joke about the 710 cap.

You are not the first, but most guys say their girlfriend did it.

So, how many gallons of windshield washer fluid did you put in the coolant tank. More like a cup or two I would guess.

MNBoxster · 04-01-2007, 12:46 PM

Hi,

The only damage you've done is dilute your coolant. Most pre-mixed Windshield Washer fluid is made of water, ethanol, or isopropanol, or ethylenglycol (usually labled Winter Mix).

Basically, you can just leave it in and you'll be OK. If obsessing over it, you can idle the car with the Bleeder Valve open and the alcohol solvent (ethanol, isopropanol) will just flash off, leaving you with a slightly diluted Coolant mix.

Next time you need a top-up, start by adding a Tsp or 2 of undiluted Coolant and you'll bring it back into balance.

While I wouldn't make a practice of doing this, the occasional inadvertent top-up with Windshield fluid won't harm it at all...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99