it's full of it, i even checked the coolant dipstick and that's red too, what is it? should i flush the radiator?
Definitely flush the radiator & the engine block aswell. Make sure you take out the thermostat when doing it. Do NOT use radiator flush as it will damage your heater core eventually. Just use a hose with water & fill it up with proper coolant. At the same time it is a good idea to replace your thermostat if its not working properly. Abraham
You mr the one with the converted manual zed? If so the red could be the auto trans fluid being that it has an auto radiator with the built in oil cooler. Take the radiator out and be sure it's not leaking. If its just goopy brown orangy stuff that's normal for an old unfleshed system. Especially if it has had stop leak stuff out through it. As Abe said, a good flush, new coolant and fresh water. You may aswell change out the thermo too
Gooey is a concern. Red on the dipstick may not be so bad -long life coolant is red. Do a flush as suggested. Easiest way is simply to drop the coolant from the radiator, refill with water, remove top radiator hose and start engine. Keep the hose in the radiator neck so as you are keeping it full. Just keep going until the water running out of the top hose (that has been removed from the radiator) runs clean. Keep the heater going so as you are flushing the heater core as well. I don't see any problem with using a non a induction flush such as this nulon product http://m.nulon.com.au//products/Cooling_Systems/Radiator_Flush_and_Clean/ just follow directions and flush with clean water as described above.
thank you so much guys, i hope i'm not bothering people by asking so many questions, i've only had my lady Z for a couple of weeks
Sounds like rust from the block and coolant lines has been allowed to accumulate and is blocking the lines. (I will assume that the plenum coolant lines are still on the plenum as these lines can block up from the accumulating rust and make the water thick with red goo like you stated) Ideally you should remove the plenum coolant lines when possible as it will be difficult to run it clear without removing them In the meantime you can try and flush it whilst the motor is running (you will need it to circulate to clear the plenum lines) you will need to do this until it runs clear, when its clear top up with normal tap water and then check the colour every day and replace the water until it clears over a period of time (its a waste of coolant to put it in at this stage - until it runs fairly clear - it may take a while, ideally you don't want to leave the tap water in it for too long, but it will be okay if you replace it daily until it clears somewhat Once it clears to a reasonable degree (it probably wont clear completely) then you can replace with distilled water and fresh coolant Don't mix different coolants and as stated try to remove the plenum coolant lines - be aware that you will have rust sediment build up in all your hoses, squeezing these whilst flushing can help remove it but technically they may have to be replaced - especially the smaller diameter hoses to the plenum coolant lines etc
Two questions for you 1) what does bypassing the plenum lines have to do flushing the cooling system? 2) tap water has a lower boiling point than coolant, and no anti corrosion properties -why on earth would you advise running the car on tap water???
maybe upload a photo so we can clarify what this "red goo" really is mate, either way, it needs a flush out tho........
I think the key info here is that he has only had his Zed for a couple of weeks. Sounds like the previous owner may have mistakenly poured 4 litres of concentrated long life coolant in to freshen up the car before selling it. Lets see what happens when he replaces the red liquid with tap water. Coolant levels might expand and fill the overflow, because cooling system pressure may increase. Engine temps might increase slightly. PS: flushing with tap water is OK, but like someone else stated, running the car on tap water isn't a good idea. You would be better off using some $5 premix techaloy for a week (after flushing) then check its clarity. Empty out if necessary, before filling with a 50/50 mix that you make in a plastic bucket (using the $40 techaloy concentrate and rainwater).
PS. Contact seller and ask which coolant they used. PS. You can upload the picture to your vehicle gallery (directly from your smart phone) and link/insert the pic in your post. Non relevant pic, just checking that it is possible to do what l just stated
LOL! There is a new product out that doesnt use coolant or water! by Evans. Lower boiling point (more so than conventional coolant/water mix), extends engine life, and no rust! as there is no water. Also its said that you even just remove the radiator cap at full temp with no rushing steam coming at you, due to the very high boiling point.....well... and no water :br: Might test this out myself
Cam that sounds amazing. So they claim very little thermal expansion, so no pressure on the cooling system gaskets? Does it contain copper? Back to the OP. Agree with PB, most likely rust is coating all the cooling system and now it is lifting away and flowing around as the engine is run. Q. You know you should, but have you replaced the timing belt and while you're there, the water pump?
