jmarsh8923

What would cause this sludge build up?
Is it possible to just flush the coolant after this?

seanjordan20

Was their sealant put in there

jmarsh8923

What do you mean by sealant?

kd7iwp

Sometimes when people get a cooling system leak (radiator pinhole, head gasket, etc.) they will pour a can of stop leak product in there and it sort of gels up to plug holes, it looks to me like that's what's happened here. I personally would try to flush out the system and refill if you haven't done that yet.

jmarsh8923

Interesting, i just recently got the car maybe within 6 months. I guess the previous owner could have put that in and just now failed.
Where should i start checking for leaks?

Or put more of the stop leak stuff in?

seanjordan20

No stop leak can mess up the system. Personally to not waist money I would flush and fill with water and dye. Run the car to operating temp for while. Then check for leaks with a UV light. If you don't see any leaking drain and fill accordingly. I can assure you there's a leak if that is sealant

jmarsh8923

Ok sounds good!

Do you think its just better to change all coolant hoses at this point?

twh

Look more like "milkshake" from oil and water mixing in the coolant. Most likely causes are failed oil cooler gasket and less likely head gasket.

seanjordan20

I would tell you what I'd really do and you decide. Being that it's a 14 year old car and I have no clue about the history I would flush it then change out my radiator, hoses, thermo, overflow tank, and go from there. Now I'd do that because I do all my own work it wouldn't cost me more than $200. Hell I'd might even change the pump while I was at it. That's just me and how I am about the cars I own. It's an overkill but could catch the existing issue and issues that may be on the horizon.

jmarsh8923

thanks for this, a friend said the head gasket went and the engine is ****ed. But this makes me feel better.