1998 Ford Windstar Radiator fluid is a rusty color?

DNHOP2IT

MEMBER
1998 FORD WINDSTAR
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
192,000 MILES

My van is a 3.8L and have had to have the motor replaced about three years ago. Ever since we have problems with the cooling system. Firsts it was the freeze plug paid to have it replaced. Then it was a pipe going to the manifold had pin size holes in it, payed about $400. The shop said they replaced it. Strangely both of these things have malfunctioned again and had to be repaired and replaced. Now I have a new problem, I don't know what to do. The fluid in the radiator is rusty and it bubbles into the coolant reservior. This is our only means of transpotaion and really cannot afford to have another big repair. Any information will be a big help.

1 Reply

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

Is it overheating? Rust can come as a result of old antifreeze being left in the system for too long, Change it every year and flush too. Have the heater core flushed at a radiator shop, they have high pressure equipment to backflush them. Bubbles are worrisome, it could be a sign of a bad head gasket, a block test kit purchased at the parts store can tell you if the head, or head gasket is leaking.