Should coolant look like this???
Thread Starter
TECH Regular
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 472
Likes: 0
From: Barberton, OH
Should coolant look like this??? I had a new motor put in 40K ago, I just pulled the radiator cap off for the first time since then and it had alot of black tarring accumulation on the spring and on the seals. I know (flame suit on) 40 k without checking the coolant, but it hasn't been giving me any trouble until the last few weeks when it has seemed to run hotter than normal. And runs REALLY crappy with the AC on! The coolant is a burnt orange or dark orange color now instaed of normal orange color.
Is this normal?? I have never seen this before and why would a tarish oily substance be in the coolant anyways??
Last question is, When i had the motor switched out, i had a 160° thermostat on the old motor(hypertech) i cannot remember if they switched this over when they put the new motor in. The one on there now says MOTORAD on it. Is this the stock 180° piece or does the hypertech stat say this on it??? and would that contribute to the coolant condition if it was a 160° and i don't have the fans coming on earlier?
Soory for the long post, hope I can get some help here....
Is this normal?? I have never seen this before and why would a tarish oily substance be in the coolant anyways??
Last question is, When i had the motor switched out, i had a 160° thermostat on the old motor(hypertech) i cannot remember if they switched this over when they put the new motor in. The one on there now says MOTORAD on it. Is this the stock 180° piece or does the hypertech stat say this on it??? and would that contribute to the coolant condition if it was a 160° and i don't have the fans coming on earlier?
Soory for the long post, hope I can get some help here....
Thread Starter
TECH Regular
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 472
Likes: 0
From: Barberton, OH
Re: Should coolant look like this??? ok, so kewl, i still got my 160° stat, sorta useless without the cooling fans coming on earlier i know.
Thanks for the answers!
What about the oily/tarring condition? anyone ever see this before??
Thanks for the answers!
What about the oily/tarring condition? anyone ever see this before??
Re: Should coolant look like this??? I have seen quite a few problems like this. Yours would be the first ls1 I have heard of doing this.
http://www.geocities.com/b_gillie/dexcool_problems.html
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/autom...m_dexcool.html
I have seen that happen persoanlly in 3 s10s with the 4.3, and 4-5 other cars that people added dexcool to their exsisting green antifreeze.
Brad
1999 firehawk 484 (converted to green coolant on 10/15/02 with 37000 miles on it and it looked and stunk like swamp water)
http://www.geocities.com/b_gillie/dexcool_problems.html
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/autom...m_dexcool.html
I have seen that happen persoanlly in 3 s10s with the 4.3, and 4-5 other cars that people added dexcool to their exsisting green antifreeze.
Brad
1999 firehawk 484 (converted to green coolant on 10/15/02 with 37000 miles on it and it looked and stunk like swamp water)
Trending Topics
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
From: grimsby, ont. can.
Re: Should coolant look like this??? never remove dex-cool to add green. Not compatible with engine gaskets or parts. you will see a black or coke color very soon after. Always replace with what color came out and if you are not sure, read the manual or ask GM. The looser with the Blazer has a case with the shop not GM. The tech should of been fired. What an idiot. You should not be a tech if you don't undertstand coolant and the effects on the internalls of the engine!? 
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power
Verdad Gallardo
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die
Verdad Gallardo Thread Starter
TECH Regular
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 472
Likes: 0
From: Barberton, OH
Re: Should coolant look like this??? I have always used dex-cool. The motor was changed by A GM dealership in CT that is real, real familiar with ls1's. and I know they put dex-cool in it.
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 369
Likes: 0
From: NJ
Re: Should coolant look like this??? it sounds like you're not full of coolant we've seen 2 grand prix's do exactly what you're describing make sure you're cooling system is full and check that your rad cap is sealing
jay
jay
Re: Should coolant look like this???
I already changed it and filled the system. I do think i'll add to the reservoir.
Is there any way to drain and clean the resevoir????
Is there any way to drain and clean the resevoir????
TECH Addict
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,264
Likes: 0
From: Cypress, TX
Re: Should coolant look like this??? Herein lies the key quote from GM:
This is why GM won't address it. It's not a mechanical defect or anything having to do with the coolant; it's operator error for not following the proper maintainence procedures. ALL fluid levels (under the hood) should be checked every time you fill up the gas tank, IMHO - oil, brake, clutch or transmission, radiator, and washer fluid. Worst case, at least check them every time you change the engine oil. By the time the gauges or lights come on, it could be too late. Plus, what if you have a faulty gauge?
which may have been operated for extended periods of time with a low coolant level
