Big Mark Posted September 10, 2015 Share Posted September 10, 2015 I know that the long life coolant goes a rusty colour in time but mine is only a year old and rusty already. Is this normal? I'm changing my rad soon so will put all new fluid in but should I do flush too, if so how? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Posted September 10, 2015 Share Posted September 10, 2015 New rad sounds like a good idea. A good flush is a better one (the rad might be fine). You have a couple of options depending on what's available to you. Empty out the coolant, remove the thermostat then put the lower rad hose in a collection pot/tub/basin/etc. Rotate the top hose so that it's pointing upwards then stick a garden hose into it and turn it on. Empty the collector as required until the water runs clear. You can then move the collector out of the way and just let it run for a bit to make sure it's clean. Once done, put the pipes back, leave the thermostat out and fill up the system with water. Run the car up to running temp then repeat the above until you're satisfied. Once you are, stick the thermostat in, put everything back together and fill with good ole 4life (or any other glycol coolant). Less thorough method is to simply empty the coolant, fill with water, bring up to temp, empty out and repeat again as you wish. I prefer using a hose. Be warned, the rust may be from your heater matrix, it might be on the way out. There's no way to know for sure though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Mark Posted September 10, 2015 Author Share Posted September 10, 2015 Thanks Scott, Already got a new Mishitmoto X-line rad waiting at home to go on as I've got a fine mist of coolant spray across front of engine so think there is a tiny tiny pin hole in the rad and the fan is blowing the coolant across the engine. Garden hose method sounds spot on, I got a new thermostat at home too so need to get the old one off. What is the easiest way to get access to the thermostat, from above or below? Fingers crossed it's not the Matrix causing it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul372 Posted September 10, 2015 Share Posted September 10, 2015 Mine turned that colour to and I've had a new rad, hoses and water pump. I'm going to change the coolant again and like Scott says I'm going to give it and flush through with the hose Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Posted September 10, 2015 Share Posted September 10, 2015 Easiest to access the thermostat from above, it's just inside the waterneck on the drivers side. Need to dump the coolant first though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Wilson Posted September 10, 2015 Share Posted September 10, 2015 Often a sign the core plugs are likely to go porous soon. Once an engine has a few years with no or little corrosion inhibitor in the coolant the block gets very manky inside. Not a lot you can do save several flushes and a high anti freeze / inhibitor concentration to try and stop the rusting going further. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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