Coolant problem!

[Funnycarguy]

Hey guys
My first post here but im really stumped on this one my coolant in my radiator, the thermostat housing, and well im assuming every where else is a orange color but has the consistency of cool whip thats the best way i can describe it. I have pictures on my phone but it says they are too large to download. Iv flushed the motor and heater core out and putting a new radiator in and gonna see what happens. Any thoughts?
Thanks!!

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I've heard that mixing certain coolant of different colors can cause a jello like consistency. Use water to fill and change it several times before putting in the permanent coolant.

 

[Funnycarguy]

]
I've heard that mixing certain coolant of different colors can cause a jello like consistency. Use water to fill and change it several times before putting in the permanent coolant.

Thanks! I was kinda thinking the same i dont see any signs of oil or transmission fluid in it nor do i see any coolant in them either and it runs pretty good for it to have a possible head gasket issue. But ill definitely do that before i waste all that coolant

 

[RonD]

Yes, +1 ^^^

There are 3 "types" of coolant, and just a heads up, there is no "standard" for coolant color, so you have to READ the label

The original Silicate based, usually Green in color, lasted 2 years before it needed to be replaced

OAT(organic acid technology) lasts 5 years, usually red or pink in color

These two CAN NOT, under any circumstances, be mixed or you will get a sludge

HOAT, is the newest, hybrid organic acid technology, its usually gold or yellow, it is often advertised as "lifetime" which means 5 years, that's a new car's "lifetime" according to auto makers, lol

HOAT can be mixed with silicate or OAT without issues

So if you are not sure what you have in the system then replace with HOAT and run that to be on the safe side, it is of course the more expensive type


You also may have a blown head gasket or cracked head

What engine do you have in your 1999 Ranger?

 

[Funnycarguy]

Yes, +1 ^^^

There are 3 "types" of coolant, and just a heads up, there is no "standard" for coolant color, so you have to READ the label

The original Silicate based, usually Green in color, lasted 2 years before it needed to be replaced

OAT(organic acid technology) lasts 5 years, usually red or pink in color

These two CAN NOT, under any circumstances, be mixed or you will get a sludge

HOAT, is the newest, hybrid organic acid technology, its usually gold or yellow, it is often advertised as "lifetime" which means 5 years, that's a new car's "lifetime" according to auto makers, lol

HOAT can be mixed with silicate or OAT without issues

So if you are not sure what you have in the system then replace with HOAT and run that to be on the safe side, it is of course the more expensive type


You also may have a blown head gasket or cracked head

What engine do you have in your 1999 Ranger?

Thanks for the info!! Its 3.0 with an automatic.
It could be that but im not seeing any other signs of it but time will tell after i drive it a little and see what it looks like

 

[Josh B]

Sounded like oil to me also but what RonD said also makes sense
maybe try putting some in a plastic cup overnight and see if it separates

 

[Funnycarguy]

Sounded like oil to me also but what RonD said also makes sense
maybe try putting some in a plastic cup overnight and see if it separates

If oil is the culprit would there be coolant in the oil as well?

 

[RonD]

Oil is not a bad guess either, how did it get in there? people don't always "know" what they know

Especially if you know the 710 joke....................................

Wife calls and asks "what's the 710 cap for?"
Got me never heard of a 710 cap.......................................

OIL cap is on upside down......OIL/710

eye of the beholder, lol

But in fairness when you turn the OIL bottle upside down to pour it in............you are adding 710 to the 710 hole


3.0l wasn't known for cracked heads or blown head gaskets, 4.0l OHV was

 

[Funnycarguy]

Oil is not a bad guess either, how did it get in there? people don't always "know" what they know

Especially if you know the 710 joke....................................

Wife calls and asks "what's the 710 cap for?"
Got me never heard of a 710 cap.......................................

OIL cap is on upside down......OIL/710

eye of the beholder, lol

But in fairness when you turn the OIL bottle upside down to pour it in............you are adding 710 to the 710 hole


3.0l wasn't known for cracked heads or blown head gaskets, 4.0l OHV was

Haha this is true i havent had it too long so its hard to tell whats been through it but im gonna hope for the best and hope it was maybe some mix matched coolant not getting a long and run with just water for a little while and see what it looks like

 

[Josh B]

I've seen it in an awful lot of others too, through the years, Mr Ron , although I'd never wish to question your expertise

 

[Josh B]

It would most likely show in the oil side sir