5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003) Learn more about the 5th Generation Maxima, including the VQ30DE-K and VQ35DE engines.

What could it damage???

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 5, 2006 | 07:47 PM
  #1  
Mints33's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 539
From: SD
What could it damage???

Yeah ... stupid me, when I was bleeding my brakes, I spilled brake fluid while filling up the reservoir, I was looking at the reservoir while pouring and didn't realize how much fluid there was in the funnel, didn't think it was so slow so a whole bunch got all over the master cylinder and whatever else as it came splashing on my garage floor, what a mess!!! Anyhow yeah, just plain ole' careless and dumb!!! Anyhow, I know brake fluid can ruin a painted surface, however can it damage engine components? I tried to wipe everything off as best as I could, but I'm sure there are tight spots I couldn't get at. Any thoughts or comments welcomed!!
Old Oct 5, 2006 | 08:16 PM
  #2  
bsetiawan's Avatar
Supporting Maxima.org Member
iTrader: (43)
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,262
From: San Mateo, CA
If the fluid that you spilled is new, don't worry about it. Otherwise, you can always use aerosol brake cleaner and spray liberally on the area that was spilled on. You can also take it to a detailing place that offers engine steam cleaning if you still don't feel comfortable with just the brake cleaner.
Old Oct 6, 2006 | 05:05 AM
  #3  
bladerunr's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (14)
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 919
From: Charlotte, NC
Hit the area with engine cleaner, simple green or one of those fruit acid based cleaners. Rinse with water and you'll be fine. Just don't let fresh brake fluid sit on any surface too long.
Old Oct 6, 2006 | 09:37 AM
  #4  
Mints33's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 539
From: SD
Got two different answers here, it was new fluid that spilled, can anyone else confirm?
Old Oct 6, 2006 | 10:00 AM
  #5  
bladerunr's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (14)
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 919
From: Charlotte, NC
Why are you taking chances? Brake fluid is corrosive. No matter what you spilled you should clean it up immediately.
Old Oct 6, 2006 | 04:17 PM
  #6  
limsandy's Avatar
Supporting Maxima.org Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,173
Originally Posted by Mints33
Yeah ... stupid me, when I was bleeding my brakes, I spilled brake fluid while filling up the reservoir, I was looking at the reservoir while pouring and didn't realize how much fluid there was in the funnel, didn't think it was so slow so a whole bunch got all over the master cylinder and whatever else as it came splashing on my garage floor, what a mess!!! Anyhow yeah, just plain ole' careless and dumb!!! Anyhow, I know brake fluid can ruin a painted surface, however can it damage engine components? I tried to wipe everything off as best as I could, but I'm sure there are tight spots I couldn't get at. Any thoughts or comments welcomed!!

I'm sorry to hear that.... I suggest you'd better replace your engine ASAP.
Old Oct 6, 2006 | 05:12 PM
  #7  
bashboy2000's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 103
Originally Posted by limsandy
I'm sorry to hear that.... I suggest you'd better replace your engine ASAP.
your a real wisen heimer smart guy
Old Oct 7, 2006 | 01:48 PM
  #8  
super6's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,404
ye, defenatly use simple green, that stuff is awesome!
Old Oct 7, 2006 | 03:17 PM
  #9  
Mints33's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 539
From: SD
Originally Posted by limsandy
I'm sorry to hear that.... I suggest you'd better replace your engine ASAP.

Old Oct 8, 2006 | 11:29 AM
  #10  
Matt_01SE_20th's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 495
dont worry about it. you would need a quart of brake fluid in a puddle that was between two different materials to truly cause a problem ont he engine. still, clean it up anyway, it will just collect dirt, run down the engine, make you think you have something leaking, etc. make sure you do clean up areas of close clearance, AC LINES, ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS, ETC. dotn worry about the corrosive properties of the brake fluid itself, but be sure you dont create a corrosion cell.
Old Oct 8, 2006 | 02:00 PM
  #11  
Mints33's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 539
From: SD
I stopped worrying about it after I cleaned it up as best as I could. I spent a couple of hours cleaning it, at least, to the best of my knowledge, it got cleaned up so case closed. I'm still not happy at the fact that it happened, but it could've been worse. Now, I gotta do my wife's van next weekend, I hope I don't screw up again. This time I'll be wrapping the reservoir tank w/ several towels to prevent such accidents.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
litch
4th Generation Maxima (1995-1999)
123
Jan 4, 2024 07:01 PM
doctorpullit
8th Generation Maxima (2016-)
13
Apr 23, 2017 05:35 AM
Marc2theMax
5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003)
4
Sep 28, 2015 08:13 AM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 09:03 PM.