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1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Fat Fendered and Classic Ford Trucks

Sludge in radiator.

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Old Oct 10, 2016 | 12:04 PM
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Sludge in radiator.

Drove the truck to work today. While showing it off to a coworker, I pulled the radiator cap to check the water level. I found a layer of brown sludge.

I just installed this radiator earlier this year. Do I just need to flush the system?



m
 
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Old Oct 10, 2016 | 12:55 PM
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Yes, you need to get that crap out of there. Chances are the crud is in the block. Was it a new radiator, clean radiator when installed?
 
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Old Oct 10, 2016 | 01:01 PM
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It is a re-cored stock radiator. I had an aluminum rad that i ran for a year prior to the switch. Im surprised I didnt see any sludge when I drained the system before the swap.
 
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Old Oct 10, 2016 | 01:06 PM
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What type of fluid are you using? I know there are some out there that have caused issues similar to this.
 
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Old Oct 10, 2016 | 01:34 PM
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Just generic green antifreeze. Autozone brand, I think.
 
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Old Oct 10, 2016 | 04:03 PM
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Looks like oil in the coolant...time to check the system for leaks. What does the engine oil look like? Been using oil lately?
 
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Old Oct 10, 2016 | 05:20 PM
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It's always used a little oil. Last I checked the engine oil just looked dirty. I haven't noticed any water in it.

I think the old girl must be feeling neglected and wanting attention. On the drive home today she decided that she couldn't do 55 anymore. I had to take side streets all the way home. Then the speedometer cable broke. It was only a couple years old.
 
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Old Oct 10, 2016 | 08:38 PM
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So this is a stock engine? 6 or V8? It's very hard to get oil in the water on a flathead, much more common for water to get in the oil.
 
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Old Oct 10, 2016 | 08:39 PM
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Stock flathead v8
 
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Old Oct 11, 2016 | 07:20 AM
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Hopefully just old antifreeze from the block or heater core. Dexcool was notorious for this when it came out around 1995, it would turn to mud if air got to it, but even regular antifreeze gets ugly and leaves sediment if it isn't changed once in awhile. I would buy a kit to hook up a garden hose to the system and flush it all out with the engine running.
 
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Old Oct 11, 2016 | 10:01 AM
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I have very good success with the Prestone Flush 'n Fill kits. Just follow the directions.

Later!
Mr. Ed
 
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