What's this goop in my radiator???

SD44 · 06-30-2008, 09:14 AM

I flushed my radiator at the end of last summer. There was this thick, brown goop that was stuck inside the hoses, radiator opening, and on the bottom of the radiator cap that literally looks like brown snot.

Well I changed my oil yesterday and took my radiator cap off, just to check the level. There's even more brown goop build-up now! What causes this? Could it be the brand of antifreeze? I added some anti-rust/waterpump lube solution last year, could it be that?

Raylo · 06-30-2008, 11:01 AM

Probably the oil cooler in the radiator side tank broke and is leaking oil into the coolant.

SD44 · 06-30-2008, 11:06 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Raylo

Probably the oil cooler in the radiator side tank broke and is leaking oil into the coolant.

I took that oil cooler off years ago, and converted the filter mount to the non-cooler mount. It blew the line off of the fitting and I almost ran the engine out of oil once.

This film in the radiator is like dried silcone actually. It's still very pliable, and just dirty brown.

Bill Wheats · 06-30-2008, 11:10 AM

Maybe someone put leak sealer (glue) in it at one time?

roadlet_411 · 06-30-2008, 11:28 AM

You're both wrong.

That crap is from your coolant. It's the wonderful thing called "Dexcool". Just do a search for Dexcool on google, and you'll come up with several links right off the bat about Dexcool sludging up your cooling system.

Several people on the forum have done a good cooling system flush and converted over to the regular green coolant. Might be worth a try?

Bill Wheats · 06-30-2008, 11:51 AM

If it is Dexcool, then you should be replacing your intake manifold gaskets before the coolant leaks in and destroys your engine. Check your oil for contamination. Dexcool sucks!

SD44 · 06-30-2008, 02:07 PM

To be exact, it's the SuperTech generic Anti-freeze from Wal-Mart. Comes in a blue jug, and is orangish in color.

What would be a good brand to use?

JoPre · 06-30-2008, 03:28 PM

ya dexcool is what i was thinking, just try rinsing everything out and starting over.

pipster · 06-30-2008, 03:49 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by roadlet_411

You're both wrong.

That crap is from your coolant. It's the wonderful thing called "Dexcool". Just do a search for Dexcool on google, and you'll come up with several links right off the bat about Dexcool sludging up your cooling system.

Several people on the forum have done a good cooling system flush and converted over to the regular green coolant. Might be worth a try?

Sounds correct if they mixed IAT style (green) with Dexcool it will do that. I recommend going with another form of Dexcool like the Zerex brand. The original form from Texaco is the formulation they has caused all the trouble with intake gasket on several GM applications. A good OAT style like Zerex is still
the best protection for your application.

GM was paying so much for intake gasket repairs several months ago so if any is having issues check back with the dealer.

SD44 · 06-30-2008, 04:20 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by pipster

Sounds correct if they mixed IAT style (green) with Dexcool it will do that. I recommend going with another form of Dexcool like the Zerex brand. The original form from Texaco is the formulation they has caused all the trouble with intake gasket on several GM applications. A good OAT style like Zerex is still
the best protection for your application.

GM was paying so much for intake gasket repairs several months ago so if any is having issues check back with the dealer.

So don't mix green and orange coolant?

Petterle · 06-30-2008, 04:33 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by SD44

So don't mix green and orange coolant?

pretty much lol, anytime you change coolant make sure you flush EVERYTHING out

pipster · 06-30-2008, 04:46 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by SD44

So don't mix green and orange coolant?

Yes do not mix.. The IAT and OAT are not compatible.

SD44 · 07-02-2008, 09:46 AM

I've been draining it out this week by opening the drain peck when I get home each day, then filling it back up with just water after the engine cools. After doing this every day this week, I'll put some flush in the radiator on the way home Friday, then drain everything and refill/drain with water one more time before re-filling with a quality Coolant.

SmokeeJay · 07-02-2008, 10:55 AM

First thing I do on all of my GM cars that came with DexCool is drain, flush, drain, flush, drain, flush and then refill with regular Green Anti-freeze.

SD44 · 07-02-2008, 10:59 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by SmokeeJay

First thing I do on all of my GM cars that came with DexCool is drain, flush, drain, flush, drain, flush and then refill with regular Green Anti-freeze.

When you say "flush", do you mean actually putting radiator flush in each of those times after you drain, or just refilling with water, until you're ready to add the antifreeze?

Bill Wheats · 07-02-2008, 11:32 AM

Just keep flushing it with water. You can leave the hose runnning for a long time... and force the flow in different directions by kinking one end of the heater hose and having it flow out of the radiator cap...
I'm sure you can figure it out...

Fannatick · 07-02-2008, 06:25 PM

Ok, I was going to flush my radiator today (I have Dex cool in it) and I was looking under neath for about ten minutes trying to figure out where the drain (petcock?) for the radiator was. On my '94 2.2 it was easy to spot but with my 2002 4.3, I can't seem to find it.

blkdouts10 · 07-02-2008, 08:28 PM

yeah, same here i can't find the drain plug either, plus what you guys do with a cracked radiator? you think sealant would be the best and cheapest answer?

blkdouts10 · 07-02-2008, 08:44 PM

plus its been leaking coolant and drained out all the coolant a couple times from the intake side of the radiator, leaving the resevoir a rusty brown color inside of it. would flushing it out til its clear be the answer? btw 4.3 2000s10. any help would be appreciated greatly!

laydout97 · 07-02-2008, 10:10 PM

the petcock for the 2000 and 2002 is on the driver side bottom of the radiator. It is a 3/8 plug. take a 3inch extension and a ratchet, put it inside the plug and turn towards the inner fender. you may or may not be able to use a 3in extension. If you cant find it, it may not have one.

fishindabay · 07-02-2008, 10:28 PM

drain/flush and refill with the dodge extended life coolant. i put this stuff in my mom's lumina and many friend's gm trucks... no sludge problems, stuff is great...

Fannatick · 07-03-2008, 07:36 AM

I thought there was an easier way to drain the radiator. The way it sounds it might be easier if I just bring it in to get flushed.

blkdouts10 · 07-03-2008, 10:15 AM

well thank you for the help, but there is a definite crack in the radiator and took it in this morning to a radiator shop and they told me it was from the dexcool, since i had i alot of rusty brown crap all in my resevior. so hopefully nothing else is wrong now.

truckman · 07-03-2008, 10:20 AM

yep.get ready to do intake gaskets.definatly get that dex out.when i was a tech we always recomenneded to have it flushed and converted.get the kit that prestone makes.it makes it alot easier to flush.

blkdouts10 · 07-03-2008, 02:58 PM

well instead of fixing the leak, it's too bad to repair, so instead i gotta get a new rad, but thanks for ur guys' help

Fannatick · 07-08-2008, 10:03 PM

Ok, so again, I spent about ten minutes under my truck looking for the damn petcock or bolt to drain the radiator. I'm not sure where the hell it is. I can barely see the radiator, so I cant find the petcock. I don't want to start pulling hoses from it without knowing what they are. Please help... Thanks.

Fannatick · 07-08-2008, 10:18 PM

Ok, so again, I spent about ten minutes under my truck looking for the damn petcock or bolt to drain the radiator. I'm not sure where the hell it is. I can barely see the radiator, so I cant find the petcock. I don't want to start pulling hoses from it without knowing what they are. Please help... Thanks.

jakefindleton · 07-09-2008, 12:01 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Fannatick

Ok, so again, I spent about ten minutes under my truck looking for the damn petcock or bolt to drain the radiator. I'm not sure where the hell it is. I can barely see the radiator, so I cant find the petcock. I don't want to start pulling hoses from it without knowing what they are. Please help... Thanks.

it's on the lower corner of the radiator. on some years the passenger side and later years the driver's side. just look on either corner until you find it.

SmokeeJay · 07-09-2008, 10:57 AM

I found it is easier to pull the radiator because the petcock is hidden under the lower hose on my 4.3. Pulling the rad. takes all of 10 minutes. I flush with Prestone flush the first time and water each time after that.

06-30-2008, 09:14 AM	#1
SD44 Registered User Age: 35 Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 60 Location: User is: OffLine	What's this goop in my radiator??? I flushed my radiator at the end of last summer. There was this thick, brown goop that was stuck inside the hoses, radiator opening, and on the bottom of the radiator cap that literally looks like brown snot. Well I changed my oil yesterday and took my radiator cap off, just to check the level. There's even more brown goop build-up now! What causes this? Could it be the brand of antifreeze? I added some anti-rust/waterpump lube solution last year, could it be that?
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-30-2008, 11:01 AM	#2
Raylo Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 150 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: What's this goop in my radiator??? Probably the oil cooler in the radiator side tank broke and is leaking oil into the coolant.
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-30-2008, 11:06 AM	#3
SD44 Registered User Age: 35 Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 60 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: What's this goop in my radiator??? Quote: Originally Posted by Raylo Probably the oil cooler in the radiator side tank broke and is leaking oil into the coolant. I took that oil cooler off years ago, and converted the filter mount to the non-cooler mount. It blew the line off of the fitting and I almost ran the engine out of oil once. This film in the radiator is like dried silcone actually. It's still very pliable, and just dirty brown.
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-30-2008, 11:10 AM	#4
Bill Wheats Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 1,037 Location: Maine User is: OffLine	Re: What's this goop in my radiator??? Maybe someone put leak sealer (glue) in it at one time?
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-30-2008, 11:28 AM	#5
roadlet_411 JDepp FTMFW!!! Age: 25 Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,262 Location: Alton, IL User is: OffLine	Re: What's this goop in my radiator??? You're both wrong. That crap is from your coolant. It's the wonderful thing called "Dexcool". Just do a search for Dexcool on google, and you'll come up with several links right off the bat about Dexcool sludging up your cooling system. Several people on the forum have done a good cooling system flush and converted over to the regular green coolant. Might be worth a try?
	[Reply w/Quote]


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06-30-2008, 11:51 AM	#6
Bill Wheats Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 1,037 Location: Maine User is: OffLine	Re: What's this goop in my radiator??? If it is Dexcool, then you should be replacing your intake manifold gaskets before the coolant leaks in and destroys your engine. Check your oil for contamination. Dexcool sucks!
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-30-2008, 02:07 PM	#7
SD44 Registered User Age: 35 Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 60 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: What's this goop in my radiator??? To be exact, it's the SuperTech generic Anti-freeze from Wal-Mart. Comes in a blue jug, and is orangish in color. What would be a good brand to use?
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-30-2008, 03:28 PM	#8
JoPre umm yea Age: 22 Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 609 Location: newly relocated 2 Glen Burnie MD User is: OffLine	Re: What's this goop in my radiator??? ya dexcool is what i was thinking, just try rinsing everything out and starting over.
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-30-2008, 03:49 PM	#9
pipster Registered User Age: 32 Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 69 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: What's this goop in my radiator??? Quote: Originally Posted by roadlet_411 You're both wrong. That crap is from your coolant. It's the wonderful thing called "Dexcool". Just do a search for Dexcool on google, and you'll come up with several links right off the bat about Dexcool sludging up your cooling system. Several people on the forum have done a good cooling system flush and converted over to the regular green coolant. Might be worth a try? Sounds correct if they mixed IAT style (green) with Dexcool it will do that. I recommend going with another form of Dexcool like the Zerex brand. The original form from Texaco is the formulation they has caused all the trouble with intake gasket on several GM applications. A good OAT style like Zerex is still the best protection for your application. GM was paying so much for intake gasket repairs several months ago so if any is having issues check back with the dealer. Last edited by pipster : 06-30-2008 at 03:52 PM.
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-30-2008, 04:20 PM	#10
SD44 Registered User Age: 35 Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 60 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: What's this goop in my radiator??? Quote: Originally Posted by pipster Sounds correct if they mixed IAT style (green) with Dexcool it will do that. I recommend going with another form of Dexcool like the Zerex brand. The original form from Texaco is the formulation they has caused all the trouble with intake gasket on several GM applications. A good OAT style like Zerex is still the best protection for your application. GM was paying so much for intake gasket repairs several months ago so if any is having issues check back with the dealer. So don't mix green and orange coolant?
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-30-2008, 04:33 PM	#11
Petterle I need a new truck! Age: 21 Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 1,258 Location: oakley, california User is: OffLine	Re: What's this goop in my radiator??? Quote: Originally Posted by SD44 So don't mix green and orange coolant? pretty much lol, anytime you change coolant make sure you flush EVERYTHING out
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-30-2008, 04:46 PM	#12
pipster Registered User Age: 32 Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 69 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: What's this goop in my radiator??? Quote: Originally Posted by SD44 So don't mix green and orange coolant? Yes do not mix.. The IAT and OAT are not compatible.
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-02-2008, 09:46 AM	#13
SD44 Registered User Age: 35 Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 60 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: What's this goop in my radiator??? I've been draining it out this week by opening the drain peck when I get home each day, then filling it back up with just water after the engine cools. After doing this every day this week, I'll put some flush in the radiator on the way home Friday, then drain everything and refill/drain with water one more time before re-filling with a quality Coolant.
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-02-2008, 10:55 AM	#14
SmokeeJay Registered User Age: 36 Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 277 Location: Douglasville, GA User is: OffLine	Re: What's this goop in my radiator??? First thing I do on all of my GM cars that came with DexCool is drain, flush, drain, flush, drain, flush and then refill with regular Green Anti-freeze.
	[Reply w/Quote]

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07-02-2008, 10:59 AM	#15
SD44 Registered User Age: 35 Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 60 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: What's this goop in my radiator??? Quote: Originally Posted by SmokeeJay First thing I do on all of my GM cars that came with DexCool is drain, flush, drain, flush, drain, flush and then refill with regular Green Anti-freeze. When you say "flush", do you mean actually putting radiator flush in each of those times after you drain, or just refilling with water, until you're ready to add the antifreeze?
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-02-2008, 11:32 AM	#16
Bill Wheats Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 1,037 Location: Maine User is: OffLine	Re: What's this goop in my radiator??? Just keep flushing it with water. You can leave the hose runnning for a long time... and force the flow in different directions by kinking one end of the heater hose and having it flow out of the radiator cap... I'm sure you can figure it out...
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-02-2008, 06:25 PM	#17
Fannatick Registered User Age: 24 Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 122 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: What's this goop in my radiator??? Ok, I was going to flush my radiator today (I have Dex cool in it) and I was looking under neath for about ten minutes trying to figure out where the drain (petcock?) for the radiator was. On my '94 2.2 it was easy to spot but with my 2002 4.3, I can't seem to find it.
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-02-2008, 08:28 PM	#18
blkdouts10 Registered User Age: 24 Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 6 Location: Salt Lake City, UT User is: OffLine	Re: What's this goop in my radiator??? yeah, same here i can't find the drain plug either, plus what you guys do with a cracked radiator? you think sealant would be the best and cheapest answer?
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-02-2008, 08:44 PM	#19
blkdouts10 Registered User Age: 24 Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 6 Location: Salt Lake City, UT User is: OffLine	Re: What's this goop in my radiator??? plus its been leaking coolant and drained out all the coolant a couple times from the intake side of the radiator, leaving the resevoir a rusty brown color inside of it. would flushing it out til its clear be the answer? btw 4.3 2000s10. any help would be appreciated greatly!
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-02-2008, 10:10 PM	#20
laydout97 VC Vice Prez Age: 22 Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 1,196 Location: prattville, alabama User is: OffLine	Re: What's this goop in my radiator??? the petcock for the 2000 and 2002 is on the driver side bottom of the radiator. It is a 3/8 plug. take a 3inch extension and a ratchet, put it inside the plug and turn towards the inner fender. you may or may not be able to use a 3in extension. If you cant find it, it may not have one. Last edited by laydout97 : 07-02-2008 at 10:14 PM.
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-02-2008, 10:28 PM	#21
fishindabay Registered User Age: 22 Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 643 Location: southold, NY User is: OffLine	Re: What's this goop in my radiator??? drain/flush and refill with the dodge extended life coolant. i put this stuff in my mom's lumina and many friend's gm trucks... no sludge problems, stuff is great...
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-03-2008, 07:36 AM	#22
Fannatick Registered User Age: 24 Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 122 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: What's this goop in my radiator??? I thought there was an easier way to drain the radiator. The way it sounds it might be easier if I just bring it in to get flushed.
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-03-2008, 10:15 AM	#23
blkdouts10 Registered User Age: 24 Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 6 Location: Salt Lake City, UT User is: OffLine	Re: What's this goop in my radiator??? well thank you for the help, but there is a definite crack in the radiator and took it in this morning to a radiator shop and they told me it was from the dexcool, since i had i alot of rusty brown crap all in my resevior. so hopefully nothing else is wrong now.
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-03-2008, 10:20 AM	#24
truckman half bagged. Age: 29 Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 4,832 Location: high point,nc User is: OffLine	Re: What's this goop in my radiator??? yep.get ready to do intake gaskets.definatly get that dex out.when i was a tech we always recomenneded to have it flushed and converted.get the kit that prestone makes.it makes it alot easier to flush.
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-03-2008, 02:58 PM	#25
blkdouts10 Registered User Age: 24 Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 6 Location: Salt Lake City, UT User is: OffLine	Re: What's this goop in my radiator??? well instead of fixing the leak, it's too bad to repair, so instead i gotta get a new rad, but thanks for ur guys' help
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-08-2008, 10:03 PM	#26
Fannatick Registered User Age: 24 Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 122 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: What's this goop in my radiator??? Ok, so again, I spent about ten minutes under my truck looking for the damn petcock or bolt to drain the radiator. I'm not sure where the hell it is. I can barely see the radiator, so I cant find the petcock. I don't want to start pulling hoses from it without knowing what they are. Please help... Thanks.
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-08-2008, 10:18 PM	#27
Fannatick Registered User Age: 24 Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 122 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: What's this goop in my radiator??? Ok, so again, I spent about ten minutes under my truck looking for the damn petcock or bolt to drain the radiator. I'm not sure where the hell it is. I can barely see the radiator, so I cant find the petcock. I don't want to start pulling hoses from it without knowing what they are. Please help... Thanks.
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-09-2008, 12:01 AM	#28
jakefindleton I Has a GREEN Dot Age: 31 Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 3,098 Location: Cool, Ca 95614 User is: OffLine	Re: What's this goop in my radiator??? Quote: Originally Posted by Fannatick Ok, so again, I spent about ten minutes under my truck looking for the damn petcock or bolt to drain the radiator. I'm not sure where the hell it is. I can barely see the radiator, so I cant find the petcock. I don't want to start pulling hoses from it without knowing what they are. Please help... Thanks. it's on the lower corner of the radiator. on some years the passenger side and later years the driver's side. just look on either corner until you find it.
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-09-2008, 10:57 AM	#29
SmokeeJay Registered User Age: 36 Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 277 Location: Douglasville, GA User is: OffLine	Re: What's this goop in my radiator??? I found it is easier to pull the radiator because the petcock is hidden under the lower hose on my 4.3. Pulling the rad. takes all of 10 minutes. I flush with Prestone flush the first time and water each time after that.
	[Reply w/Quote]