What a nightmare. I replaced my old busted factory radiator with a new one last night, half filled it with concentrate anti freeze, half with distilled water. I didn't bother running the engine because it was getting dark and I couldn't exactly check for leaks. So today I go out and despite me THINKING I got my 50/50 mix accurate, there's icy sludge in my radiator! It's not a solid chunk of ice, but it's definitely icy - like an exotic green summer cocktail. .

My question is, what should I do? I know once I run the engine with the radiator cap off, there will be some air in the system to bleed out. I'm thinking I should just let her run, have all that stuff warm up and melt, and pour in some more 100% antifreeze? Since I haven't run the engine yet, I don't think any of that nonsense has gotten into the block, so that should be ok. But does anyone have any experience with this? Thanks in advance.

 

If it's not frozen solid, probably no harm done (guess).

It probably got slushy because you didn't run the engine, and mix the coolant and water (guess).

I'd proceed as if it didn't happen. Run it, mix it, top it off. If you think you got the 50/50 right, then top off with 50/50.

If something is damaged, it will show up soon enough.

 

Pour some really hot (distilled) water in there to melt the ice.