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That's the mystery I'd like to resolve. Is it rust or is it combustion contamination? Both can turn coolant brown. The block tester was negative, but I see white smoke from time to time and I slowly lose coolant, but I see no traces of a leak. Electrolysis test passed, too. I also have the intermittent loping idle mystery. I've flushed the system twice. All signs point to an intermittent leak in the head gasket or block, but none of the tests I'm aware of tell me that's true. Maybe it really is just rust, but I would like some assurance before I go and waste another 3 gallons of coolant and all the associated headaches of disposal, etc., just for it to turn brown a third time.
Yea but, if it was gases it would test positive for hydrocarbons, perhaps experiencing false boiling (bubbles). The gases would show.
Yea but, if it was gases it would test positive for hydrocarbons, perhaps experiencing false boiling (bubbles). The gases would show.
What I gathered from the test instructions, was that it had to be actively leaking to detect the gases... so if I have an intermittent leak that's inactive when I have the tester on hand, it'll give a false positive.
What I gathered from the test instructions, was that it had to be actively leaking to detect the gases... so if I have an intermittent leak that's inactive when I have the tester on hand, it'll give a false positive.
I don't know, that doesn't sound right. Seems like an intermittent leak wouldn't be intermittent for long. Well, if that's true, perhaps jack the rpms up to 2000/2500 and keep it there during testing.
How long does it take for it turn brown again ? I don't know, it's more likley you have a lot of rust, sediment in the lower portion of the block.
Recall the first time I pulled the block plug on the drivers side, had the truck jacked up on one side tipped so I could get as much out as possible. Used compressed air as well. I was pulling chucks out of there. They would block the plug hole or wedge in there tight. Had to use a long skinny needle nose on occasion...like pulling teeth. A lot of crap down there.
How long does it take for it turn brown again ? I don't know, it's more likley you have a lot of rust, sediment in the lower portion of the block.
Recall the first time I pulled the block plug on the drivers side, had the truck jacked up on one side tipped so I could get as much out as possible. Used compressed air as well. I was pulling chucks out of there. They would block the plug hole or wedge in there tight. Had to use a long skinny needle nose on occasion...like pulling teeth. A lot of crap down there.
It's been 6 mos. It's not completely brown like the last flush, but it's on its way.
I hope you're right, but I flushed it twice, now, and the last time the water ran crystal clear. I did notice some rust crumbs in the bottom of the pan, though, so it could very well be that's all it is.. I just want to be done with radiator flushes!
It's been 6 mos. It's not completely brown like the last flush, but it's on its way.
I hope you're right, but I flushed it twice, now, and the last time the water ran crystal clear. I did notice some rust crumbs in the bottom of the pan, though, so it could very well be that's all it is.. I just want to be done with radiator flushes!
Don't blame yuh. Still think the only thing to do is just let sit and run while flushing. Pull the t-stat, stick a hose in the degas bottle and keep the bottle overflowing while draining at the same time. Only way to flush it totally...all of it. Maybe , rev it up every once in awhile...you know, so it's not just idling forever.
That's after you remove the antifreeze, or most of it. Then you can let it all hit the ground if you want. Run it like that for an hour or so, at least give it one big enema lol.
OR did you already do that ?
If it doesn't freeze at night, just run water in the system until it turns brown. So you're not wasting antifreeze... for awhile or as long as you can.
I've spent my day working on the old boy. Finally did some wet sanding and polish. It needs a little more, but I am very sore, LOL.
Bet it's a noticeably nicer finish each time you do that. Hard to see what you can be being there vs a picture. Always looks good in the pic. I imagine you're checking all the angles lol.
If it doesn't freeze at night, just run water in the system until it turns brown. So you're not wasting antifreeze... for awhile or as long as you can.
If I do it again, I'm gonna do at least two rounds of flush and leave them in for a good while. I'll wait for warmer weather so I don't need to worry about freezing.
If I do it again, I'm gonna do at least two rounds of flush and leave them in for a good while. I'll wait for warmer weather so I don't need to worry about freezing.
Hopefully you'll notice some improvement the next time...like at least a year before it goes brown ..
