Question1986 Toyota Camry. Engine was rebuilt 30K miles ago. Also new
radiator, water pump, etc. Last year I found radiator to be full of
rust. Mechanic, drained, flushed, replaced hoses, thermostat, a
metal tube, etc. Said it was full of sludge. Car is used mostly
for
short trips and left unused for 3 winter months. After starting it
this spring, I found that temp. gauge stayed at cold. Looked into
radiator. It was full of rust. Mechanic again drained, flushed,
etc.
Said it was again full of sludge, and temp gauge was clogged
with
rust. What's going on? Does leaving it over the winter cause
this? I've been leaving it for the winter for 8-9 years with no
problem till now.
Would adding radiator anticorrosion compound before winter
prevent this ?
AnswerWell, did you change from Toyota Red (coolant) to green or an OAT coolant? Changing from one coolant to another tends to hurt the cooling system (which could be from minor rust to a good increase in that "clay-ish" grey sludge) I believe it's when you mix two coolants that you get problems. A proper flush should alleviate the rust and sludge problem. But, I suggest buying a bit of Toyota Red because its free of silicates since Japanese cars HATE silicates and before then, flush with a good cooling system flush. Mix as per directions. If you want a GOOD GOOD GOOD CLEANING, I'd do this:
Get some coolant flush, 2 bottles. Run all your coolant out, flush with water till clear. Pour 2 bottles of flush in the radiator. fill with water, run engine till radiator hoses pressurize. Allow engine to cool, drain water/flush out of engine with engine running and hose in radiator. Flush, flush flush that stuff out good. Fill with water again. No flush this time. Run till hoses get hard. Allow to cool, drain water out of block and radiator. Put in your thermostat. Fill radiator with the proper coolant and water mix.
A little food for thought: http://www.arrowheadradiator.com/coolant_&_radiator_service.htm
hope this helps
