Cringeworthy, help- oil in power steering fluid

[WolfBMW]

My dad would like to take responsibility for this one because he was showing me what to do and indicated the wrong cap, but since I, too, can read English, I think we should share the blame. Anyway, we were topping up my oil today because it was a little low and I put about 3 ounces of motor oil in the ATF/power steering reservoir before going "wait, this doesn't feel right."

We immediately siphoned what we could off the top, but I don't have any ATF in the garage and I'm leaving tomorrow morning for Mass. Does anyone have advice/dire warnings of doom?

[Hermes]

That's really not a good situation as motor oil is thicker than ATF and therefore will sink to the bottom. ATF is around 10 weight if I remember correctly. The only way to clear it out is to flush the system. You can do the turkey baster technique, but it takes multiple times to clear it all out (you also need to drive the car so it cycles).

[ELCID86]

Sorry this happened. Not irreversible I'd think. This may help. http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=1006931



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[ELCID86]

And unfortunate timing.

Another. http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=804661


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[alexandre]

Easiest/most efficient way to flush is to raise car on jacks, remove splash shield, remove e-fan and air box, unbolt PS reservoir and simply empty the whole thing in a bucket.

At the same time, the reservoir outlets are pretty small - I doubt the oil actually went in the system. I'd think removing most of the fluid in the tank with a turkey baster and topping off with any D4 ATF (hit your local Walmart) you'd be fine.

[danewilson77]

I would pick up some Mobil 1 ATF and do a flush 3 times with 1 quart.

Take a container with you and a turkey baster. Pull old fluid out every 100 miles or so.... Though I don't know how far you're going.

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[Avetiso]

A few flushes should be fine. No biggie.

[WolfBMW]

Thanks, guys!

[ELCID86]

Good luck and safe travels. Take a blanket, etc. going to be frigid as you know.


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[ELCID86]

I guess tomorrow is actually better than Tue--but you knew that :-)


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[Dave1027]

My 2 cents, if the car was not started then the fluid did not circulate. Siphoning out the resevoir should get it all. Any trace that remains won't hurt anything.

[ELCID86]

Hope you got it resolved and made it back to school Monroe. My boys head back on Sun.

[ELCID86]

Hope you got it resolved and made it back to school Monroe.
You out there?