1998 Mazda Protege Coolant Globules

1998 MAZDA PROTEGE
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PAULHAGGERTY
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I replaced my radiator in a 98 Mazda Protege LX automatic, after a transmission cooler leaked trans fluid into my coolant, and coolant into my transmission. The dealership BG flushed the transmission and coolant. A week later, there were white globules floating at the top of the overflow reservoir. The dealership service techs had never seen anything like this before. They re-flushed the coolant. What could that substance be? Is there damage to my transmission?
Jan 18, 2006 at 9:14 PM
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COSMO
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What it probably is, is tranny fluid in the coolant. They probably didn't get it all out of the engine the first time....This is not too uncommon as you can't get all the coolant out easily, It will probably take a few more flushes to fix it, try using water (costs less) unless your in a cold climate to fix it, then put coolant back in when the 'globs' go away

Cosmo..Mazda tech
Jan 19, 2006 at 6:50 AM
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PAULHAGGERTY
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[quote:635a65ba25="Cosmo"]What it probably is, is tranny fluid in the coolant. They probably didn't get it all out of the engine the first time....This is not too uncommon as you can't get all the coolant out easily, It will probably take a few more flushes to fix it, try using water (costs less) unless your in a cold climate to fix it, then put coolant back in when the 'globs' go away

Cosmo..Mazda tech[/quote:635a65ba25]

Thanks for your input, Cosmo.
I did go back to the dealership for a 2nd BG coolant flush. Afterwards, the globs (moisturizing lotion consistency) were gone, but you can still see a little bit of residue in the radiator and the overflow reservoir. After taking it back a 3rd time, they said the residue was "acceptable". Can there be future damage to my engine, radiator, etc., if it's not completely flushed out?
Appreciate a reply, thanks. Paul
Jan 20, 2006 at 3:38 PM
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Suggested Repair

Continue flushing the cooling system with water, unless you are in a cold climate, until the white globules disappear, then refill with coolant. Residual transmission fluid often remains after the first flush and may require several additional flushes.

Conversation Summary

After a transmission cooler leak mixed transmission fluid and coolant in a 1998 Mazda Protege, the radiator was replaced and both systems were flushed. White globules later appeared in the overflow reservoir. A Mazda technician said this was likely remaining transmission fluid and recommended repeated water flushes until it was gone, followed by a coolant refill. After further dealer flushes, most of the material was gone but some residue remained, which the dealer considered acceptable. The owner's question about possible future damage from the residue was not answered.

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