Mobil 1 ATF in oil by mistake!

[fburgerod]

My son thought the oil was low in my 95 J30 and put in two quarts of Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF and overfilled the oil in the process. He then drove around town for about ten miles. Is this a problem? I am scheduled for a routine service in two days anyway. Thanks, Frank

[Q451990]

Wow... I assume you've done an oil change already? I wouldn't drive it until you do. I've heard of using Mobil 1 ATF as an engine cleaner, but only under very controlled circumstances. I'm sure some of the members who are more knowledgable about oils will be along shortly. My guess is that your best bet is several oil changes over the next few days and very gentle driving.

Any outward signs of damage?

Heath

[fburgerod]

Heath, this car will be driven only the four miles to the dealership and only at 30 miles per hour. My son meant well this morning when he put it in. I just wanted to make sure I don't have to buy a new G35 yet.

[PalmerWMD]

There is likely no damage, as ATF, especially syn ATF, is not all that different from motor oil, except much thinner and loaded with detregents.

Kinda like driving a 5w-20 weight oil at the quarter mile track at 110F.I am sure some PPL do it, but a sub-optimal fill.

You likly got a very good flush from the extra detergents in the ATF, luckily it was syn ATF which is more resistant to teh breakdown ATF often experiences, when run during actual driving in a motor.

You possibly have some extra bearing wear, if he drove it hard, but its possible no damage at all too.

I'd also get the oil change now, rather than wait 2 days, if you are driving car .

Fred...

[Q451990]

Out of curiosity, why was the car low on oil? At 59K I wouldn't think it's consuming any - do you have leaks?

I'd still check here for other feedback before driving it anywhere. The good news is that the engine shouldn't have much sludge in it (assuming good oil changes to this point) so you may be OK. In any case, I'd still consider either having it towed or a DIY oil change. A $50 tow bill is still cheaper than a G35 - though not as much fun.

Heath

[PalmerWMD]

You could drain some of the excess out but if you are driving only 4 miles and low rev it is safe to drive.If your son checked it w/o waiting long enough for all the oil to drain back into pan it could have read artificially low ( frequent roockie mistake we have all made)

Fred...

[fburgerod]

Car has 75K miles on it now and was NOT low on oil. My son is low on oil! I blame myself. I should have bonded earlier with him in the garage. He is functionally illiterate forward of the front seat. Otherwise a fine lad.

[DAEDALUS]

NONONO! It's all messed up. Don't listen to them. The bearings are surely shot. Make a beeline to the dealership and come back with that G!

[maxnix]

I would drain first where it sits. Overfill with ATF is too risky to trust on both accounts. Don't even start it.

[DrewQ45]

As I said in another post, one oil drain will not remove all traces of the foreign fluid. I suggest adding some cheap oil + filter, start the car for a minute then drain again and add fresh high quality oil and a new filter.

[maxnix]

Then there is the Envirolution solution to evacuate all of the contaminants.__________________Brian1995 Q45 & Q45t & 2000 Q45

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[PalmerWMD]

Folks,

There is no need to go crazy about MOBIL1 ATF in your engine.just get a regular oil change.

I put in a quart of ATF every other oil change just previous to oil change and idle for 45 minutes to keep my engines clean.

This has proven successful for me and many others.

2 quarts and regular driving are too much but wont blow up the engine.

Fred...

[psychic_mechanic]

I've had guys I work with mix some ATF in with their oil when they start to get clatter in their hydraulic lifters. It helps if the noise is dur to varnish in the lifters. Then I beat them about the head and shoulders for not changing the oil regularly in their high mileage SBC's.

[VimyJ]

ATF is very high quality oil. No need to worry. Get it changed so you arrive back at your "baseline" but no damage should occur for the short drive to the dealership. Just make sure the level is not over full. This is the only danger in your situation. Drain out 2 quarts and you're good to go to the dealer.

[fburgerod]

Well, I got my G...but only a loaner while the J was serviced. No problem with the car. Oil was changed and car is fine. Service rep said good thing it was not reversed, oil in the transmission fluid. Thank you all for your concern. Frank

[maxnix]

Great news. Is the valve train any cleaner?

Maybe your son was reading the posts, and thought if one quart of ATF before an oil change was good, then two must be better?__________________Brian1995 Q45 & Q45t & 2000 Q45

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