pulled a really bonehead move

[e53sg]

I needed to add some coolant and accidentally poured in about a cup or two of coolant into the power steering reservoir. Best bet is for me to draw out as much as possible more than I put in, and flush. Grr

[NotAnyoneYouKnow]

Did you start the truck and turn the wheel? If not, just pull as much as you can out of the reservoir and have the system flushed. I would say that was just a mild boneheaded move. lol

[e53sg]

I did not start it. My plan is to pull out as much fluid as possible, refill, start and pull fluid out several times before taking to a place to have it flushed. The PS systems start circulating as soon as the engine is started and will cycle fluid immediately through a bypass valve in the rack. I was half asleep this morning and in a hurry. Lucky for me I stopped and didn't start it.

[andrewwynn]

The bummer is that oil floats. You'll want to drain/vacuum it out as best as possible. The detergent quality of coolant is not good I would maybe use paper towel etc to attempt getting out as much as possible or even disconnect the suction line at the pump as water will follow gravity down the pipe to the pump

[e53sg]

I pulled out all of the power steering fluid (ATF) replaced it 4 times, each time starting, and turning lock to lock several times. Each time was about 1/2 quart. I drove it around for about 15 minutes, and pulled out the fluid. Did that 2 times. I may do it again a few more times but the steering feels fine and no noise.

[andrewwynn]

If like brake fluid atf is hygroscopic the multiple swaps should have soaked up any water. I would check the fluid for any odd consistency after a dozen hours of driving etc. Put a drop of coolant and ATF next to each other on a smooth non porous surface and see if they mix. If they do you're done if they don't you'd maybe need to do another transfusion.

Coolant being mostly water will vaporize when hot. On a hot day and lots of steering it wouldn't surprise me if the temp gets up close to 200F a little "goose" with a heat gun would get it above 100C yet way below temp that is harmful to ATF and boil away any water.

Vacuum will work the same at normal temp. pull a vacuum on the fill cap and any moisture will boil away. Steam is 100s of times lighter than oil and will bubble out quickly.