Urgent Question: accidentally pour brake fluid into crank case

[lidation]

This is my '98 Ford Windstar 3.8L. I was changing the engine oil this afternoon. I picked up a half-filled quart bottle of oil and poured into the crank case, thinking it was the left over from last time. But the moment I poured into the engine I realized that it was the waste bottle for brake fluid when I flushed the brake hydrolics a few weeks back. I forgot to dispose that bottle at the time. I only poured in less than 1/4 of the quart bottle though.

I don't know how bad the brake fluid will do to my engine but I know it won't be any good. So I use clean oil to pour into crank case and drain it trying to get rid of as much as possible the brake fluid. (I found out that luckily the brake fluid is heavier than the engine oil so it stays at the bottom.)

I guess now there should still be some left in there.

My question: how bad is running an engine with brake fluid in it? To what extent?

I searched but with no result. It seems that I'm the only one on earth that accidentally pour brake fluid into engine oil.

[RickMN]

Well, brake fluid is really hard on rubber seals--eats them up. However, you drained the crankcase right away. So you're best bet would be to change the oil a few more times in the coming week. Don't use any engine flush products. That can cause far more harm than good. Use clean oil as your solvent.

[lidation]

Originally Posted by RickMN

Well, brake fluid is really hard on rubber seals--eats them up.

Isn't brake hydrolic system has lot of rubber parts? Master cyclinder seals, part of the brake hoses, caliper seals are all made of rubber, aren't they?

[12Ounce]

If you drained and refilled the engine without ever cranking it ... you have no problem, forget about it.

[wiswind]

I would also guess that you are fine, as you drained it right away.
If concerned.....you might give it another change this week using a new filter and just the same quality oil that you are using......just to be on the safe side.

[toddler62]

If you didn't run it long I agree with the others it shouldn't hurt anything just change the oil again soon The brake fluid can soften the rubber in the seals of the engine but no longer than you left it in probably never be able to tell