Thread: Anti-freeze grief

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I had the same problem with a 97 4.3 in an astro van. I finally cured it by flushing, flushing, flushing, and more flushing. It took several times, but the fluid finally started running clear.

I've used Prestone for years, with zero problems. I just pulled the radiator cap on my Jeep the other day after storing it for 6 months, and it is as green as the day it went in.

Sounds like GM might have a problem there.


Don

I have a feeling that what you are seeing may be the product of a leaky head gasket as well. While you may not have a coolant leak into a cylinder, you may be having a combustion gas leak into the water passages. The description of gurgles may be telling the story. Combustion gasses are under a lot more pressure then what a radiator cap allows, 14-16psig vs 150/200psig under just crank speed, much more when firing and if it is pinging, a whole lot more, so it can be a one way leak. "Way back when" Prestone used to have that kind of a problem as well.

Thanks for the information, gentlemen.

The constant rain we have been enjoying(?) for the last month subsided enough yesterday for me to pretty well determine that this radiator isn't leaking (the last two I put in definitely were) so I'm going to try to get the truck to a good radiator shop and have them flush the very devil out of the whole system and go from there. There are things I really enjoy doing myself when it comes to auto repairs but radiator work ain't one of them.

Neither is changing a muffler.

Denny, can you give me the name of that kit that detects combustion residues in coolant? Is it available at ordinary chain parts stores?

I made an effort to get whatever it was that was gurgling out of the system but it didn't work. My wife thought it was funny, but be that as it may, thanks to Denny and Dave both for the suggestion that it could be combustion gasses. Man! I sure hope it's not ......

And, Uncle Bob, I'm not out to sue anybody. I'd settle for a tearful apology.

Thanks again to everybody who responded.


Jim

Originally Posted by Big Tracks

And, Uncle Bob, I'm not out to sue anybody. I'd settle for a tearful apology.

Thanks again to everybody who responded.


Jim

My commentary was about the pitfalls of research, not my expectation of your motives. Unfortunately the net is full of distracting rants and short on legitimate cause and effective remedy.

[QUOTE=Bob Parmenter]My commentary was about the pitfalls of research, not my expectation of your motives. QUOTE]

I do realize that, Uncle Bob, and I very much appreciate your input on this subject and everything else you post.

As regards the net, I'm struck by the huge numbers of devoted lawyers who, solely out of the kindness of their hearts, want to help those of us who have clogged radiators.

Regards -

Jim

Originally Posted by Big Tracks

As regards the net, I'm struck by the huge numbers of devoted lawyers who, solely out of the kindness of their hearts, want to help those of us who have clogged radiators.

Regards -

Jim

I of course will bow to your seniority as the elder of CHR and your wisdom in acknowledging the philanthropy of the bottom feeders.........uh excuse me,....... honorable barristers.

Originally Posted by DennyW

A combustion test kit can be found at your local NAPA, auto parts store. The part number is 700-1006.

Good deal, Denny! There's one about a mile from here.

Thanks.

Jim