Dark coolant

Tleg93 · Post by **Tleg93** » Wed Jun 23, 2004 5:48 pm

I've noticed that my engine coolant is very dark colored. I've sometimes noticed it before in other vehicles. What causes the color to change? Is it just the heat that causes it or there something more to the change, anyone know?

vrg3 · Post by **vrg3** » Wed Jun 23, 2004 6:54 pm

The coolant may just have had a darker dye in it. Or maybe there was a higher percentage mix of antifreeze in it.

Tleg93 · Post by **Tleg93** » Wed Jun 23, 2004 7:05 pm

I see, but the coolant wasn't that dark when I put it in there.

vrg3 · Post by **vrg3** » Wed Jun 23, 2004 7:14 pm

Oh. In that case, I don't know.

How long did it take to darken? My first instinct is that it's probably getting darker because it's getting dirty.

Brat4by4 · Post by **Brat4by4** » Wed Jun 23, 2004 7:33 pm

...or contaminated with oil

flush your system out a couple of times with water then refill with an anti-freeze mix again and see if it redarkens as much.

Tleg93 · Post by **Tleg93** » Wed Jun 23, 2004 7:34 pm

It's been in for quite a while. I'm more curious than anything else. I'm wondering if it's a good idea to change it and flush out the system when it gets like that. There is a suggested interval to flush out the coolant system so I guess my question is a no brainer. It just seems like it shouldn't get almost black but I guess the radiator would color it as it corrodes inside.

evolutionmovement · Post by **evolutionmovement** » Wed Jun 23, 2004 11:09 pm

I'm thinking maybe old radiator if it's not oil.

Steve

rsstiboy · Post by **rsstiboy** » Thu Jun 24, 2004 12:39 am

if it was oil it would go a creamy colour not darker.

Tleg93 · Post by **Tleg93** » Thu Jun 24, 2004 1:55 pm

It's likely just the radiator being old. Thanks for the input.

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Dark coolant

Dark coolant