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How bad a mistake did I make??
- Thread starter DaveL
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I wouldn't be too concerned. Who knows maybe you found the next greatest additive.
Originally Posted By: ARB1977
I wouldn't be too concerned. Who knows maybe you found the next greatest additive.
That's a good one.
I wouldn't be too concerned. Who knows maybe you found the next greatest additive.
That's a good one.
Originally Posted By: DaveL
I change out the power steering reservoir about every 20K. I did a more complete flush at about 30K and have been changing out the reservoir every 20K since (at 90K now). The power steering fluid I put in the engine was the fluid I pulled out today.
Like most of us said, don't lose sleep on it. You and your car will be fine.
I change out the power steering reservoir about every 20K. I did a more complete flush at about 30K and have been changing out the reservoir every 20K since (at 90K now). The power steering fluid I put in the engine was the fluid I pulled out today.
Like most of us said, don't lose sleep on it. You and your car will be fine.
Thanks again for all the replies. This is a great forum.
One thing I should have clarified. If I had put a little ATF in the engine oil I would not have asked the question. I have done that on purpose sometimes. I just didn't know whether there was anything radically different about the Honda PSF that would make it be a problem.
One thing I should have clarified. If I had put a little ATF in the engine oil I would not have asked the question. I have done that on purpose sometimes. I just didn't know whether there was anything radically different about the Honda PSF that would make it be a problem.
Originally Posted By: DaveL
I just didn't know whether there was anything radically different about the Honda PSF that would make it be a problem.
For many makes, Ford, Nissan, and Subaru to name a few, power steering fluids and ATFs are interchangeable. Honda is probably the best known exception in this regard.
Still, even for Honda, as far as I know, the main difference is its PSF is thinner than its ATF. Somehow Honda's power steering systems have a tendency of foaming the fluid so it requires a thinner fluid.
In addition to viscosity, there may be additional differences in the additives.
But by and large, PSFs and ATFs are very similar because they are both hydraulic fluids. While engine oil's main function is to lubricate so it is different.
I just didn't know whether there was anything radically different about the Honda PSF that would make it be a problem.
For many makes, Ford, Nissan, and Subaru to name a few, power steering fluids and ATFs are interchangeable. Honda is probably the best known exception in this regard.
Still, even for Honda, as far as I know, the main difference is its PSF is thinner than its ATF. Somehow Honda's power steering systems have a tendency of foaming the fluid so it requires a thinner fluid.
In addition to viscosity, there may be additional differences in the additives.
But by and large, PSFs and ATFs are very similar because they are both hydraulic fluids. While engine oil's main function is to lubricate so it is different.
Which is why a shortened OCI makes sense, though the small amount isn't enough to drop the effective viscosity low enough to be 'too-thin' by any means. If this were a solvent or something aggressively cleaning or deteriorating the internal engine parts, we wouldn't even be talking about how long to run it. It isn't something that you want in your oil, though, so to an extent since your current fill has this unknown going on it's just best not to do an extended interval and call it at a day at anything less than 3,000 miles.
Originally Posted By: ltslimjim
Which is why a shortened OCI makes sense, though the small amount isn't enough to drop the effective viscosity low enough to be 'too-thin' by any means.
I agree. Don't lose sleep on it, but change the fluid sooner.
Which is why a shortened OCI makes sense, though the small amount isn't enough to drop the effective viscosity low enough to be 'too-thin' by any means.
I agree. Don't lose sleep on it, but change the fluid sooner.
For just $12-$14, dump the oil and replace with new, but keep the same filter on. $12 is reeeeal cheap for peace of mind, and not having to determine when a "short" interval is up on the contaminated oil.
How hard is it to just change your oil? I don't know why you even have to ask. I just don't understand.
Originally Posted By: Whizbanger
I just don't understand.
I do. Because if PSF is the same as ATF, it's probably not harmful at all -- people used to put small amount of ATF into the crankcase intentionally. If so, why waste $25 worth of good synthetic?
Dirty PSF may be a different story, but he keeps his PSF fairly fresh so I don't see it being a huge problem leaving the fluid in there.
I just don't understand.
I do. Because if PSF is the same as ATF, it's probably not harmful at all -- people used to put small amount of ATF into the crankcase intentionally. If so, why waste $25 worth of good synthetic?
Dirty PSF may be a different story, but he keeps his PSF fairly fresh so I don't see it being a huge problem leaving the fluid in there.
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Originally Posted By: hhu168
If so, why waste $25 worth of good synthetic?
Sometimes you pay for mistakes. Think of it as a good reason to not do something stupid again. Lesson learned (hopefully).
If so, why waste $25 worth of good synthetic?
Sometimes you pay for mistakes. Think of it as a good reason to not do something stupid again. Lesson learned (hopefully).
Originally Posted By: Whizbanger
Sometimes you pay for mistakes. Think of it as a good reason to not do something stupid again. Lesson learned (hopefully).
True. Still, it doesn't hurt to properly assess how big the mistake was.
Sometimes you pay for mistakes. Think of it as a good reason to not do something stupid again. Lesson learned (hopefully).
True. Still, it doesn't hurt to properly assess how big the mistake was.
Such a small amount of PS fluid will not hurt a thing. Do not worry about it.
PS is not motor oil, it is more like ATF, or hydraulic oil. A few ounces shouldn't hurt, having said that if it was my beater I wouldn't lose any sleep. If it was my Jeep or E-150, my OCD would get the best of me, and I'd drain the oil, bottle it and use it for top up oil in my beater. JMO
This thread reminds me of 1980 when my 1977 Datsun had developed terrible valve seal problems. It may have been due to using the original M1 which had no seal conditioners or it may just have been the crummy seals they put in cars back then. In any event, the people at the Datsun dealership actually told me to put power steering or ATF fluid in my crankcase in the hopes of softening the seals. Of course, they told me to use new fluid, but power steering fluid nonetheless. It didn't do a [censored] bit of good, but it didn't seem to hurt anything either.
Most likely will not cause any issue.. BUT know one knows for sure if it will effect anything negatively... Spend the $30 and change it yourself. OR just drop the oil and keep the filter.
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