Radiator sludge?

TOMMCCMN

MEMBER
1996 DODGE RAM
153,000 MILES

1996 Dodge Ram Pickup 5.2 318 engine. 153000 miles. Took off the radiator cap and found a brown/gray foamy sludge. Looked like something from a baby diaper. The same substance was in the overflow res. Drained and refilled the radiator. Drove 20 min. To work today, checked before I left for home and the same substance was there again. Ran fine. Didn't overheat. HELP! Don't know what this might be or what to do but I'm quickly losing confidence in my truck. ANYONE?

4 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Try cooling system flush and see what happens-also check the oil if its milky

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Tuesday, July 19th, 2011 AT 12:08 AM

CJ MEDEVAC

MECHANIC
11,004 POSTS

Reckon the tranny cooler inside the radiator sprung a leak?

The Medic

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Tuesday, July 19th, 2011 AT 12:29 AM

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

You do not have permission to advertise I suggest you get out-

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Tuesday, July 19th, 2011 AT 12:53 AM

09CROWNVIC

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Sounds to me like it might be that someone had put in a can of BarsLeak at one time. Not only is it used to seal cooling system leaks, but it is also used as a preventative measure against rust, as well as a water pump lubricant. I've used this in the past per mechanic's recommendations and found it really helps the water pump remain quiet and last a long time. And, yes, it really looks like the nasty brown stuff!

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Tuesday, July 19th, 2011 AT 1:15 AM