The other day I pulled my '82 Trans am into the garage to check the fluids and found that my coolant had turned black. At first I thought it was a head gasket issue but it ddidn't have the smell or lubricity of oil. I was wondering if anyone had a similar issue or any opinions of what it may be. There are two other reasons that I doubt it is oil which are A.) My oil level hasn't dropped too dramatically and B.) If it was oil contaminated I'm pretty sure it would have a more brownish color. The only other thing I can think of really is that at some point of the cars life maybe types of coolant were mixed but I don't know. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

 

I have been around cars a long time and never seen black coolant from mechanical failure.

Does the car have an Automatic Trans? Is the trans. fluid dark also? Maybe the transmission cooler is leaking fluid in the cooling system? Check transmission level and fluid condition also.

I would flush the system and replace with fresh coolant and then keep an eye on everything.

 

Maybe just lack of being changed for 20 years.I would definatly flush it a few times.

 

When in doubt flush it out.

At least for antifreeze...

 

Bars-stop leak will turn it black found that out

 

That Stop leak stuf can change the coolent black i have seen it b4.

 

I agree with Venom and Chris that barsleak does make the coolant turn black.

To be sure just drain and flush the coolant system. Usually oil and water will seperate so if drain it and let it sit for a couple days it will be easy to spot.