Screwed Up!! I got coolant in my oil

[Boston GN]

Changing the pass. side valve cover today and I loosed a hose clamp that goes to the heater hoses right above the VC. Puting the VC back on I hit the hose and coolant poured out. Not too much mind you. I was able to quickly block and plug the line, but noticed it got over the rocker arms and onto the head. I know some got into the oil this way.
What can I do? I plan on changing the oil. The car will not be started for weeks because it is in the body shop, so I'm not worried about that. I'm just worried that when it comes time to start it, what will happen. I don't want any spun bearings.
Keep in mind this was just a small amount.
ANy other things I should do?
Thanks guys

 

[Intercooler]

If it runs down into the motor and gets on your bearings it will start damaging them. I had it happen to me and even with changing the oil I lost a bearing. a

 

[Boston GN]

Damn...was afraid of that
Thanks IC

 

[salvageV6]

Mop it up thoroughly and change the oil.

How much could possibly have come out onto the head 3 oz.?

How much actually went down the oil passages? 1 oz.?

How much will remain after the change?

What was the mix of coolant to water in the radiator?

After considering all these things I had a similar spill prolly less than 3 oz. total when doing my valve springs.

No harm in 8K miles on my car.

Just my .02 on a small spill. But we really need to know how much spilled and how much you got up with absorbent towels.

 

[motorhead]

It takes a considerable amount of coolant to screw things up. Assuming it is small:

1) Change the oil.
2) Do not crank the car over and let it sit.
3) If you do not pump it raw into the bearings... nothing will get hurt.

Most of it will drain into the pan, as it has not been cycled, only returned. This isn't any worse than post-winter condensation.

Next time pull the coolant lines first. Mop up your mess... and then handle the valve cover.

HTH,

 

[Nick Micale]

Originally posted by Boston Boy
Changing the pass. side valve cover today and I loosed a hose clamp that goes to the heater hoses right above the VC. Puting the VC back on I hit the hose and coolant poured out. .....I'm just worried that when it comes time to start it, what will happen. I don't want any spun bearings.

If it were my car, or a customer's I would be responsible for, the pan would come off. Until someone can prove to me how little coolant it takes to ruin bearings, I would not take a chance.

As I recall, oil will stay on top of water in a container? So about a pint of fluid remains in your pan after it is drained. When started, guess what circulates?

Good time to weld a bung on the outside bottom of your pan for a second drain plug. That way ALL the oil and stuff comes out during your regular oil changes, or if this happens again.

Just my opinion, your choice. Couple hours work, or chance of ruining bearings?

 

[Russ Merritt]

There is NO WAY you got enough water in there to do any damage, change the oil and run it. Condensation happens everytime the engine cools overnight, oil is formulated to absorb this. The engine is fine, don't worry.

 

[Spoolinup]

Boston, let it sit for a day and change the oil.

Then, fill back up with new oil and change that also after a day.
(car not started since coolant spill)

Then fill up for the second time and let her rip.
Hopefully by refilling and changing it for a second time you can get any left over coolant hanging around and flush it off the part with the new oil having to run down the motor again.

Kind of like washing down peanut butter with a coke.
(bad example)

Good luck