radiator question... should antifreeze be...

neal68 · #1 07/12/08, 09:24 AM

rust colored. I know this is wrong wrong wrong, but any ideas on why. When I just checked the radiator in my moms OLD 192,000 mile, oil guzzling, burning truck. I found it to be rust colored. We are trying to keep this old girl going, because we are sharing it right now, ( our van was killed by a 17 year old) while we look for another vehicle. Any input is GREATLY appreciated.
Thank you

agmantoo · #2 07/12/08, 09:57 AM

Dex Cool will be that color! It is GM's wonder coolant. You may want to research Dex Cool on the internet. The reading will further annoy you.

neal68 · #3 07/12/08, 11:48 AM

Sorry I forgot to add that it's a 1992 dodge ram 150 and we put the standard yellow green colored antifreeze in it. We were hoping it is just something that the system needs flushing.
Thanks

agmantoo · #4 07/12/08, 01:05 PM

I misread the OLD to mean Oldsmobile, thus the response. Rust colored antifreeze of the old type coolant is an indicator that the coolant has not been changed and that the additives have depleted and that rust has occurred in the cooling system. Once this happens it is difficult to correct.

farminghandyman · #5 07/12/08, 09:23 PM

It is not that uncommon on older engines, if they have been over heated a little it will break all kinds of crap loose, I would suggest to flush it and replace it with fresh,

actuly I found the easiest way to flush one is to put a garden hose in the radiator with the engine running and warm and jsut let it trickle for 30 to 45 Min's, letting it over flow, I had my old ford truck that looked like mud and tried a few times to flush it traditionally, and never got the gunk out until I did the above. then I drained the radiator and added anti freeze, and jsut a little water, as the block usaly stays full of water.

neal68 · #6 07/12/08, 10:32 PM

farminghandyman,
i am going to try your garden hose flush method hopefully this week. thank you for the advice. neal

Bearfootfarm · #7 07/12/08, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neal68

farminghandyman,
i am going to try your garden hose flush method hopefully this week. thank you for the advice. neal

They make a kit with a "T" fitting that goes into the heater core hose, and has a fitting to attach a garden hose.
They work quite well and only cost a few dollars at most auto supply places

tyusclan · #8 07/13/08, 08:49 AM

I always take the cap and top hose off the radiator, crank the engine, and hold the water hose going into the fill cap of the radiator.

Each time the thermostat opens it shoots the water out the top hose and pulls the cool water in. Be sure to position this so that the water doesn't hit you! It's hot!

Just do this until the water out of the top hose is clear. Drain everything, replace the top hose, and add fresh coolant.

stack · #9 07/20/08, 12:15 AM

I would drain it, then pull a heater hose off the engine and use the garden hose to flush out the rest, going through the hose to the heater core. Then just let it drain. Leave the heater hose off, until you fill it back up with coolant. When the coolant starts to come out the fitting for the heater hose, put the hose back on and top it off. Then recheck it again, after it has ran for awhile. Watch your temp gage to make sure it doesn't overheat and don't take the radiator cap off when the engine is hot