2001 Chevy Astro Brown Gunky Substance

2001 CHEVROLET ASTRO
140,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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MANNY GUTIERREZ
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I recently noticed my engine running hotter than normal, as I looked at the radiator, I noticed this clay like substance that was rusty looking at the top of my radiator. Someone told me it could be the head gasket, but I am not losing alot of oil. Is this just a radiator problem? or is it more?
Apr 22, 2009 at 9:12 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Chance are it is just a dirty radiator. Start by having it flushed along with the engine block.

Also, if your car came with Dexcool antifreeze (I think it did) you can not mix any other type of coolant with it, otherwise it will do that.

Let me know if that may have happened.

Joe
Apr 22, 2009 at 12:08 PM
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MANNY GUTIERREZ
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Thank you...I had an aquaintance tell me a horror story about his encounter yet I still took to a garage(radiator) and they said what you said.They will flush the engine, radiator (rod it out), put in a new thermostat, and he said it should be fine.

Thank you for your reply so soon.
Apr 23, 2009 at 12:35 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
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That sounds like a plan. Remember, the factory coolant in your car was Dexcool. It is a pinkish orange color. If after flushing the system they decide to replace dexcool again, don't ever mix another type of coolant with it.

What I would recommend is using GO5 coolant. It is gold in color and universal.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Joe
Apr 23, 2009 at 12:04 PM