Can a little transmission fluid hurt the engine?

Tiny
MARKVELLUTATO
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 CADILLAC DEVILLE
  • V8
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 122,000 MILES
I just did the most stupid thing to my 1999 Cadillac Deville. I went to add a quart of oil and didn't realize it, but it was a quart of transmission fluid. When I went to pour it into the oil fill, I saw the red fluid and immediately stopped. I would say less than an ounce went into the engine. Can this cause any damage to my engine and do I need to get the oil changed ASAP? I'm due for an oil change in 500 miles.
Friday, March 9th, 2012 AT 6:01 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,873 POSTS
AHHH! Bail out! Actually, many people add the entire quart of transmission fluid to the engine oil a day or two before having the oil changed. Because of different types of additives in the transmission fluid, it does a REAL nice job of dissolving sludge and carrying it to the filter. You haven't hurt anything by adding just a taste.
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Friday, March 9th, 2012 AT 6:20 PM
Tiny
CADIEMAN
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,544 POSTS
This will only clean the motor.I agree
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Saturday, March 10th, 2012 AT 12:57 AM

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