1999 Grand Voyager Radiator gunk

[joeshannallie]

I have replaced my radiator with a brand new one cause it was leaking and there is gunk in it already. This was in the last one also. I did flush the engine or tried to when the radiator was replaced. It also has a new radiator cap. I have been running tap water in it. Now the heat wants to blow hot fine as soon as you turn it on when it has warmed up and then within 2 or 3 minutes it is cool like. I have attached a pic of the radiator cap with the gunk on it. The van does not overheat but it seems to lose some water over time. Maybe just my imagination. I am sure someone out there knows what to do to get rid of the gunk or whatever it is. Please reply with your thoughts.[IMG] Uploaded with ImageShack.us[/IMG]

[tempfixit]

Does your engine use oil or do you have to add oil at all???

[joeshannallie]

No, It does have oil leaks here and there mostly the valve pan areas. There is no water in the oil. Could oil get into the water but water not get into the oil?

[b1lk1]

The gunk and symptoms are symptoms of a blown head gasket. While it is not likely you CAN get oil in the water without getting water in the oil. Take a sample of your coolant to a good radiator shop, they can test it for exhaust gasses.

[joeshannallie]

Should the van be giving some kind of symptons of a blown gasket. Like smoke or something? There is no smoke at all from the van. Should it overheat within no time while driving?

[b1lk1]

Well, I would prefer to see other symptoms before calling it a head gasket, but the symptoms your van shows are early symptoms. As I said, taking a sample of your coolant and getting it analyzed for combustion gasses will give you a definitive answer. I'm thinking you have an issue with a coolant passage and oil passage leaking which is the most likely cause of your particular symptoms.

[imamacanac]

HI. I had a similar problem with my 97 Voyager. The internal cooler in the radiator seperated from the hose bung connection allowing the tranny fluid and the antifreeze to mix destroying the tranny. Could be where your losing your coolant. Good Luck.

[joeshannallie]

The radiator has been replaced with a new one within the last 2 months.

Originally Posted by imamacanac

HI. I had a similar problem with my 97 Voyager. The internal cooler in the radiator seperated from the hose bung connection allowing the tranny fluid and the antifreeze to mix destroying the tranny. Could be where your losing your coolant. Good Luck.