HELP!. Brakefluid in Coolant

I asked a neighbour's Kid to check my fluid levels and top them up. He always hangs around the fleet. He mistook the coolant resevoir for brakefluid and added about a 1/4 litre brakefluid to the coolant. I can't blame the kid for the mistake but my own stupidity. I gave not started the car but witt 22.5 litres of coolant will it dilute the brakefluid enough. What am I to do?. Deon.

did the fluid float or sink?

That is what I am trying to establish. Sure looks like it mixed. To confirm this I used a clear glass of water and dropped some Porsche Brakefluid in it. It mixed immediately but I am letting the glass stan do see whether the brake fluid will eventually float. Deon.

if it floats, get an ear syringe for about $2 and suck out the top layer. I assume that the brake fluid was introduced into the overflow tank, and if it's like any other car (My P-car is new and i haven't looked) you can disconnect the hose at the bottom by undoing a clamp and drain the tank and the hose. Replenish the coolant and you'll be OK. Don't get brake fluid on your paint!

Lee, It looks like it is going to be tough to remove the pipe. I think I will run to the auto store and see what they have that I can use to pump the resevoir dry. My wife caught me when I tried to steal some of her aqarium pumps. The glass of water is still mixed nothing floating to the top. I believe if I have the Overflow bottle empty I would have reduced the risk dramatically. Thanks for the paint warning. I learnt this when I was youn. Deon.

Sorry, but had to get up from the floor after laughing so hard. It sounds like something my own kid, or even me when I was young, would do. Unfortunately, brake fluid is hydrophilic. It loves moisture and will readily absorb it. In this case, the brake fluid was absorbed by the water. I don't know if it will do any damage. Brake fluid is terrible on paint, but diluted the way it is now? I don't know. Best bet would be to drain the system and replace.

The brake fluid has already become part of the coolant solution. Nothing to worry about (unless he put a gallon or 2 in). I wouldn't waste my time, but if you're nervous about it: if the car has not been started then just suck al the collant out of the filler tank with a turkey baster and refill properly.

Guys, Thanks for all the feedback...It is absolutely hilarious to a certain extent as the kids comment was.. When I top my dad's Ford up with fluid the brakefluid container is pretty close to the firewall on the left front. I saw the container close to the firewall on the left rear and assumed that this had to be the container if they moved the engine to the rear. Deon.

So what was the final remedy?

Lee, I used a turkey baster. Pulled the first level out. Stole some piping from my wif'e's fish tank stuff and sucked the whole overflow tank dry. The fluid got more yellow as it was draining till I got the same consistency in colour and I knew it was going to be ok. I topped it back up. (One US gallon) and the car is idling as we speak. I will monitor carefully but I do believe I am in the clear due to input from GREAT guys like you. Thanks. Deon.

Don't put that piping back in the aquarium system. It is toxic. Your wife would love that. BTW What does that kid charge per hour?

Jeff, The piping is with the container of extracted fluid to be disposed of. The kid is really helpful and just wants to be around the toys we have. I think he is more after my daughter (18 yearold) and her 350z Roadster with 19 inch wheels and Porsche equivalent Stoptech brakes I bought her for Christmas. But there again I used to be young too..Maybe the fleet has nothing to do with it. My shotgun is loaded though. Getting back on subject..I just took WML 996 for a sprited drive and temperature is at the same spot. Looking at the overflow tank colour is consistent with what it was before. Thanks to this site I have turned what could have been expensive to a realistic slution. Deon. P.S. The kid now has clear cut instructions on how to run my lawnmowers.

I'd flush your coolant system. There must be some residue of brake fluid left which will eat your water pump and radiator over time.

Djantlive, That is absolutely the plan. I have a yearly scheduled and I will inisist the coolanr be flushed at this time. Deon.

I'm not buying the story. I think Deon did it himself. Reminds me of a Boxster guy story. He bought windshield washer fluid and claimed he told his girlfriend to put it in the tank with the blue cap. Problem is there are 2 tanks with a blue cap. I think the guy himself put the fluid in the wrong tank. I can't think of any chemical in brake fluid that would hurt a cooling system. In fact it might be a good lubricant for the water pump seal.

isn't brake fluid corrosive and would eat rubber seals i had a jiff lube guy adding atf into brake fluid resevoir on my beater. first i was told brake lines had to be replaced and then they said they'd flush it w/ alcohol for free.

Brake fluid eats paint. Your brake system has many rubber seals.