Windshield fluid in coolant

[bandy1r]

Stupid error. I have topped up my wife's '02 Boxster's windshield washer fluid for all these years. Today she told me the washer fluid light was on. I absentmindedly added about 4 - 6 ozs. of washer fluid to the coolant tank then realized my error. Of course, there was adequate coolant so the tank topped up immediately. My wife started the engine once as I was adding the washer fluid and the car ran for a few seconds until I told her to turn it off so the liquid would not circulate. We're going away immediately. Is there any immediate damage? Can the car sit for a few days as it is until we return? Should I have the coolant flushed and replaced immediately? Can the car be driven 40 miles to the shop, or should it be flat-bedded? Thanks for an answers of assistance.

[logray]

I'm not a chemist, nor do I own a shop.

The cooling system holds appx 6.5 gallons (832 ounces) of 50% anti freeze and 50% water.

Most of the windshield fluid is water, probably 75% or more and the rest is anti freeze (methanol, ethelyne glycol, etc.). So let's say 1 or 2 ounces of potentially incompatible anti freeze.

2 ounces of incompatible antifreeze from the windshield fluid is 0.25% of the entire system's capacity.

The rest of it is water which is fully compatible.

If you mix the wrong type of ethelene glycol with the OAT type anti freeze used in Porshces it can cause gelling which can clog up the system and cause problems.

Personally,. I wouldn't sweat the 2 ounces, but when you get back I would drive it somewhere and have it flushed (use only Porsche compatible coolant).

That being said, I bet you could probably go without the flush and be fine too.

Check the consistency of the coolant and if you see any floating matter in it, it will need to be flushed out.

[bandy1r]

Thanks for the speedy advice, logray.

Edited May 2, 2012 by bandy1r

[wvicary]

It's such a small amount I personally wouldn't worry about but if it's a concern just syphon out the coolant tank and re-fill it before running the engine anymore.

[bandy1r]

Thank you for the good advice, wvicary. I don't think I added 1/3 qt of washer fluid before over-topping the coolant reservoir. I have a battery powered siphon as is used in Japan to transfer heating oil from storage tank to heater. I siphoned from the reservoir all the coolant I could. When I return in a few days, I'll add Porsche-approved coolant and feel safer that way driving to the tech shop to have the system flushed. Ah, the things we do for love. Thanks again.

[logray]

You could also just add distilled water and save the expense of the coolant.

Especially so in Flordia.