Help - idiot needs advice: Screen-wash in coolant system

[tobesetc]

I've put about a cup of screen wash in my radiator/coolant on a Boxster 986S 03 by mistake. For a second I thought "Wasser Water" was Washer Water - but as soon as I started to pour I realised that it isn't and anyway I was at the wrong end of the car! Fool.

So - about a cupful of blue anti-freeze (-5 degree's) screen wash was poured into an already full coolant system (green liquid). I called Porsche Assist who told me not to start it and sent a truck to transport it home. They told me that it needed to be drained/flushed and refilled. They said if I start it the screen wash will get in the filters and will foam (because of the detergent content) which could damage the engine.

Just called Porsche Centre to book it in. They said a) won't be able to look at it until next week and b) the lady said she didn't think it could do much harm but best to check.

Obvious questions: Can it harm the engine? Does it need to be drained and refilled? Why am I such a plonker? ;o)

Thanks - and don't take the mickey too ruthlessly!

 

[Nick_USA]

Difficult...

If the car has not been run you could possibly siphon the liquid out of the expansion tank and replace with the correct fluid and get away with it. However, not knowing if the liquid you added was heavier or lighter than the existing mixture draining would be the safer bet as the new liquid could have found it's way further into the engine.

If the car is going to be recovered make sure the driver doesn't start the car.

 

[Glyn]

I wouldnt worry about it at all, its still just water and the blue colour is simply the anti freeze that is used in washer liquid, The piddly amount you put in will not affect anything, stop worrying, Even if you drained most of the system and completely filled up with washer fluid the only issue would be the antifreeze content wouldnt have the anti corrosion inhibitors that proper radiator anti freeze has.
A cup full wont make any difference when you consider the amount of water in the cooling system, the dillution rate for a cupfull must be less than half a percent

 

[marlin]

Do not worry, will have no effect whatsoever.

 

[Mark_Bennett]

ORIGINAL: Glyn

I wouldnt worry about it at all, its still just water and the blue colour is simply the anti freeze that is used in washer liquid, The piddly amount you put in will not affect anything, stop worrying, Even if you drained most of the system and completely filled up with washer fluid the only issue would be the antifreeze content wouldnt have the anti corrosion inhibitors that proper radiator anti freeze has.
A cup full wont make any difference when you consider the amount of water in the cooling system, the dillution rate for a cupfull must be less than half a percent

I imagine at the least it will foam up - through the expansion cap? I'm not sure it won't do anything. What is the potential for air locks because of it?

Not trying to cause an argument or induce worry - but I would be wondering these things.

 

[Steve Brookes]

You would be amazed how long liquids (and gases for that matter) can take to mix without agitation. Your screenwash is more than likely still only in the expansion tank if you've not started the car. Therefore, I would follow Nick's advice and syphon out as much of the expansion tank as possible. Use a big plastic syringe with some tubing on and draw it out from just under the surface each time. Then fill it up with fresh coolant.

FWIW I tend to agree with the others that a cup full is unlikely to do much harm but you'll feel better if you remove as much of it as possible.

 

[akwaugh]

Hi, just one more point albeit late in the day - you mention that Porsche Assist said your fluid would foam. This would indicate that they know piss all about cooling systems - reason? your fluid can only foam if there's air in it!. As any fule kno you shouldn't have air in your cooling system.

So, I agree with the rest and don't panic.

 

[tobesetc]

Thank you all for your thoughts. As I'd gone to all the trouble of getting it trucked back to London from the Midlands by Porsche Assist and they also offered to take it to my local PC - (all without actually plucking-up the courage to start it) - I figured "better safe than sorry".

PC West London said they were very busy...then within 2 hours of delivery to them yesterday they called to say it was drained, flushed and refilled.

No doubt the most expensive and irritating screen-wash refill I've ever done - but at least I've not damaged the car.

Thanks again and Happy New Year to everyone on the PCGB Forum!