Antifreeze question

Drowned Rat

Drowned Rat

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Joined
Jan 20, 2004
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3,070
Uh..... What would happen if someone (not me of course) put... I don't know... say 1/2 gallon of windshield washer fluid in the radiator overflow tank of a Dodge Grand Caravan realizing the mistake only when I, er.... They heard the fluid splashing out of the overflow spout?

Should I tell him he should change his antifreeze or is this a rather harmless mistake? The vehicle uses the red type antifreeze.

My uh... friend thanks you for any advise you may have.
 
arks

arks

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Nov 7, 2002
Messages
1,929
Re: Antifreeze question

You've got to change it.
After warming up the engine, remove the lower radiator hose to fully drain the fluid from the car. Re-fill with plain water. Drive it around for 10-20 minutes and drain it out. Re-fill with the proper antifreeze and you should be good to go.
 
SS MAYFLOAT

SS MAYFLOAT

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May 17, 2001
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Re: Antifreeze question

I agree you should do a flush of the system. The washer fluid usually is a alcohol based fluid. The alcohol would probably boil/evaporate off, but the other stuff like the detergents/cleaners could be harmful to your system.

I had a co worker fill my washer fluid up one time. He grabbed a jug off the shelf that was blue like the windshield washer, but he failed to read in big letters "DECK WASH"! It cleaned the windows with like a bubble bath. Glad to finally get that stuff run through. It did clean the windshield well,,,,,,plus the rest of the van :D............SS
 
triumphrick

triumphrick

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Re: Antifreeze question

Well, it seems as tho "your friend" has a perfect opportunity to do a radiator flush. Dropping the lower radiator hose is a start, but using a t-connector connected to a garden hose and sold at your local Auto Zone, Advance, will force the water up the radiator and do a much beter job. The instructions are with the connector. Then refill with the proper mix of anti freeze.
 
Drowned Rat

Drowned Rat

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Re: Antifreeze question

Alright then, thanks for the tips. I'll let my friend know what he needs to do. :)
 
puddle jumper

puddle jumper

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Re: Antifreeze question

Like every one else is saying tell your friend (not you of course;)) have his engine coolant changed.
 
R

rwise

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Jul 5, 2001
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3,205
Re: Antifreeze question

IF it is in the overflow tank only (engine has not been ran) then drop the line off and empty and flush it.
 
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