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Sludge in Radiator Sign up here! Search this forum this category all forums for All words Any words Whole Phrase (search options) Auto Repair Home>> Automotive Repair>> Engine Troubleshooting GinaB65 New User Sep 19, 2008, 7:22 AM Post #1 of 5 (4137 views) Sludge in Radiator Sign In I just bought a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4.0L engine, auto, 2wd. It has a lot of miles 199900. One morning I decided to check the radiator and found a thick greasy sludge about a half inch thick congealed around the opening of the radiator. Upon later inspection found it in the coolant reservoir too. The car does not overheat and runs great. I called the used car dealer and he insisted they had run a pressure test on it before selling it and he did not believe it is the head gasket. I haven't seen any more build up since I cleaned out the sludge. My husband is going to flush the system today and see if anything shows up again. Any ideas as to what it could be if or if not a head gasket? I've attached a pic of the radiator cap after I had cleaned the rest up so you can see what the oily sludge looks like. DanD Veteran / Moderator Sep 19, 2008, 4:38 PM Post #2 of 5 (4131 views) Re: Sludge in Radiator Sign In There are a few things that may have caused this sludge build up and no sludge in the rad, doesn’t always mean a head gasket. During the life of this vehicle someone may have added some form of coolant conditioner, rad stop leak or possibly the wrong type of coolant. All of which may have caused a chemical reaction and the sludge? Some of the long-life types of coolant that was used as the factory fill, didn’t have the long life that was predicted by the engineers. Some of that stuff would start to break down after a number of miles and begin to separate and make the coolant look like somebody crapped in the rad. Man they would have to have good aim now wouldn’t they? LOL So I’m thinking you and your husband are doing the right thing by flushing the system, filling it with fresh coolant and then monitor the system. As for what type of coolant I would use the plain old (green) glycol. Dan. Canadian "EH" GinaB65 New User Sep 19, 2008, 5:15 PM Post #3 of 5 (4125 views) Re: Sludge in Radiator Sign In Pheeeeeew! Am I glad to hear that! Thanks for you help DanD. :) Double J Veteran / Moderator Sep 20, 2008, 12:43 PM Post #4 of 5 (4114 views) Re: Sludge in Radiator Sign In LOL.....Thanks for that visual Dan.....Better make sure you wear the nitrile gloves for sure now when opening a radiator! How does that story go... "What was wrong with my vehicle ?" "Just crap in the radiator" "Ok,How often do I have to do that?" Jim DanD Veteran / Moderator Sep 20, 2008, 2:45 PM Post #5 of 5 (4110 views) Re: Sludge in Radiator Sign In Kind of paints a picture doesn't it. LOL Canadian "EH"   Automotive Repair     Auto Body Repair and Refinishing     Heating or AC Issues     Electrical and Wiring     Brake Systems     Car Stereo Repair Advice     General Discussions     Car Making Funny Noises     Engine Fault Codes     Engine Troubles     Exhaust Systems     Steering and Suspension     Transmission Troubles     Tricks of the Trade Automotive World     General Discussions     Antique Car Talk     Car Shows and Events     The Bargin Bin     Motor Vehicle Inspection     Car Care Tips     Traffic Tickets     Gasoline, Motor Oils, Concept Cars and Engines     Auto Insurance, Financing, Leases, Warranties Truck Repair     General Discussions     Truck Engine Repair     Truck Suspension Repair Motorcycle Repair     General Discussions     Motorcycle Engine Repair CarJunky     Open Posting     Board FAQ's     New Board Suggestions

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