Hi,
A couple months ago, the car started overheating and cracked a radiator tank. I drained the fluid and it was rust colored and thick with chunks. I replaced the radiator, radiator cap, thermostat, and all hoses. Then I flushed the system with a flush and fill kit, used a bottle of chemical cleaner, and a bottle of anti-rust as well as cleaning out the coolant overflow tank. Now, fast forward two months, and this is my radiator with the cap off. Could this be rust and gunk left over that just didn't loosen until the engine heated up, or could this be the infamous chocolate milk of head troubles? Thanks,
Sam
By the way, I used the green coolant that mixes with either.

 

Did you remove the block drain bolt when you flushed the system?

 

The "chocolate milkshake" turns up in the oil pan more often than the rad.

 

I did not remove the block plug. I was planning on flushing again tomorrow. Should I remove the block plug when I do? Just basically trying to rule out the possibility of anything larger than a crusty system.

 

Is it oil in the radiator or rust? Does the oil on the dipstick show signs of coolant contamination?

 

If you're not loosing coolant and the oil checks out okay, you might just be plauged with a very rusty inner block. Try removing the block drain bolt and the knock sensor if your car has one. You might need to probe the drain holes if rust has built up to get the coolant to flow out. Flush the system. You may need to repeat this process several times. When water flows clear out of the block and radiator, refill the system with anti freeze. Dont leave plain water in the system. Lastly, you may need to drain, purge and refill the system again a couple of times this year.

Dont forget to install a new radiator cap.

Good luck

 

Thanks for your suggestions guys. I drained at the block and the radiator and flushed twice. It was pretty nasty and I don't think I got everything but we'll see how it goes. I think part of the problem recurring was the build up in my overflow tank and I cleaned that out pretty thoroughly. I'll just keep an eye on it.
Thanks,
Sam

 

Let us know how the oil turns out, and yes the choclate milk is in the oil not the rad. You may want to check the oil ASAP because if you do have coolant in the oil, the pump picks it up before the oil, because one is heavier than the other. Coolant is a crap lubricant so u can imagine what happens next. But if uve been goin 2 months chances are its just some rust, and repeated flushes will cure the prob. But something is definately out of the ordinary, you shouldnt be able to see rust like that at the top of the rad, ESPECIALLY since u only replaced it 2 months prior. Im sure its nothing though. Good luck.