MY Coolant Keeps Turning Brown... - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

ohiotemplar · 10-21-2008, 07:04 PM

I've changed my coolant 5 times in the last year. After about three days driving, it always turns a rusty color. What's happening? Is there an additive that would help with this? I only use 50/50 glycol water premix.

I'm hoping this is just a rusty radiator, but fear it's a sign of a larger problem... maybe rust in the engine?

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enswrob · 10-22-2008, 02:26 AM

freeze plugs is all i gotta say. flush after new plugs rust should not come back.

ohiotemplar · 10-22-2008, 12:00 PM

Is that expensive to fix? Can I do it myself? Where are they?

enswrob · 10-22-2008, 06:57 PM

back of the engine have to pull the tranny /flexplate to see them... plugs are cheap. labor is not.

Z28baynard · 10-22-2008, 07:22 PM

this is that your rad. is full of rust. you can do a couple of things.: buy a new radiator or have it flushed. personally i wold just buy a new one, cause its not that much and you can upgarde it so it helps the car preform better.

ohiotemplar · 10-22-2008, 09:41 PM

Thanks z28. If you had to buy a radiator tomorrow, which brand would you get and where would you get it from?

enswrob · 10-22-2008, 09:44 PM

i hope u figure it out. id still take the trans cover off and look with a flashlight if possible to see any rust on the freeze plugs. or coolant leakage. they tend to leak when rusting.

ohiotemplar · 10-22-2008, 09:51 PM

I was planning on calling the local tranny place tomorrow. I need them to do a couple of other things for me, like put on my new poly t mount. So I was taking it in soon anyhoo. I'll get a quote and then decide if I'm going to have it done.

I've always wanted to upgrade the radiator but wasn't sure where to start. The only ones I've seen have been like 500 bucks. That's why I wanted the recommendation on that. Who knows, it might fix it. If not oh well. I never drive the thing. I'm a Ford man myself. The Maro is just something to work on.