if you put windshield washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir, will it boil out over time, like if the cap is put on loose?

 

ummmmmmmmmm

 

lmao!

Did you really put windshield washer fluid in your radiator?

and no, the washer fluid won't be the only fluid to boil out if you leave the cap off.

 

the TA is in the garage these days so this was in a sunfire. It was very cold today and i wanted to get this done as quickly as possible. I dont know the engine bay very well in this car and this reservoir looked like a windshield fluid reservoir, except that it had plenty of pink fluid in it, which was probably dex cool.

If it wasnt so cold out there, i'd just drain the coolant and put more in. It was super dumb, and i was hpoing i could just leave it in there.

 

Exactly how much did you put in there? If it was only a little bit i honestly wouldnt worry about it.

You probably should flush the system out though, its pretty cheap to do yourself.

 

about a quart. I can flush it.. but not in -20 weather. im knew in town and dont know anybody who has a garage

 

Do you have any idea how many times this happens a week at the shop I work at? The new guys always do it. If you just put some in it, it will be fine because all washer fluid is is dye, a very light detergent, alcohol to keep from freezing, and water. I'd guess washer fluid was mostly 95% water since we make it ourselves with one gallon of dye/detergent lasting 3 months and a 55 gallon drum of alcohol that I have never ordered a replacement for.

Out of a 2.5-3 gallon capacity of coolant in your entire cooling system, I doubt a few cups of washer fluid will do anything....

That's my $.02

 

Yeah, I agree with johnny. From what ive heard it is mostly water/alchohol with a light detergent. I dont think it will hurt anything as long as it doesnt freeze.

 

thanks for the help guys. I actually idd that while i was teaching my wife (who's learning to drive) how to put windshield washer fluid in... so she had a good laugh after that lesson.

 

But yeah, if you didn't put much in you shouldn't be too worried, however I'd do a coolant flush when you get a chance.