Muddy coolant?

1998 FORD TAURUS
132,000 MILES • 3.0L • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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FAITH HANCOCK
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
I had a head gasket replaced in the last month. In the last year we have replaced, radiator, water pump, thermostat and valve cover gaskets. The oil is clean, and we are not losing any oil, the car has no heat and we are losing transmission fluid. Can transmission fluid get into coolant? If so how and where?
Coolant is thick and muddy light brown.
Feb 13, 2024 at 4:28 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,246 POSTS
Hi,

Yes, transmission fluid can get into the cooling system. On the radiator itself is an integral transmission cooler. There are two lines from the transmission (Supply and Return) that attach on the radiator. ATF is cycled through the radiator (coolant) via a steel internal line. If that ruptures, the two will mix. Is there any evidence of coolant in the transmission?


I attached a pic of the radiator from a Taurus and have arrows pointing to where the transmission lines connect. If you disconnect them, you will lose some ATF, but check to see if there is any evidence of coolant.

Let me know.

Joe
Feb 13, 2024 at 7:33 AM
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