Help!

A co-worker of mine also has a MINI, and she accidentally put windshield washer fluid in her coolant tank, I know, she admits it was a stupid thing to do, and she's really upset about it. She can't get on the Internet here at work, so I told her I would ask: will it do any damage? Since it's just the overflow tank, can she drain the fluid out somehow and be ok? Thanks in advance for any help!
Joe

 

If she hasn't driven the car then the washer fluid shoud still be in the tank. I would take something to catch the fluid and disconnect the hose that goes to the tank. Maybe even pour some water in the tank to flush out all the remaining fluid. Reconnect the hose, fill the tank and I would think it would cause no problems.

If she's already driven the car then I would flush the system. The washer fluid may or may not hurt anything but I wouldn't take the chance.

 

Thanks, SB, I'll help her with this when we get out at 5. She has driven the car, only a couple miles after she bought the wiper fluid and put it in. Since this tank is just an overflow, is there a chance none got into the system? Or does it always circulate everything, including the overflow fluid?

 

it cycles through. as old coolant flows back into the tank, the "new" coolant that was in the tank goes in. it not a big amount at a time, but does cycle through. that is why you would fill the resivour tank when doing any kind od coolant job.
when hewlping her out, make sure to flush the system to get all the washer fluid out. that way the only thing in there is coolant.

 

Primary ingredient is methyl alcohol. Found also in
some antifreeze solutions. I'd call MiniUSA and ask
them if it is OK to drive and change when she gets
a chance, if it is necessary.

 

Thanks alot guys!