All,

I noticed some brown residue on my driveway so I looked under the hood for the likley suspect. I could not see any obvious signs however when I removed the cap from the coolant container there was quite a bit of brown frooth...almost like a milkshake? Has anyone had this experience?

Head gasket problem?

Any feedback is appreciated.

 

There is usually a skid plate under the car so idk if you would see any leaks. But I know what you are talking about it looks like a brownish residue inside the coolant container. I actually had to put more coolant in my car randomly today because it was drastically low for some strange reason. I will prob flush all the fluid out and replace it all this coming weekend to try and find any leaks. But I have no clue if it could be due to a gasket issue or engine problem.

 

Thanks. I removed the skid plate a couple of years ago unfortunately.

Maybe I will do fluid flush to see if things improve.

 

I can't guarantee anything but I know mine needed to be done anyway

 

take a look at the engine oil. is it also brown and milky? if the answer is yes then you have the classic signs of a bag head gasket. sorry.

 

I took a look at the oil both on the dipstick and the cover and it looks just fine.

Can anyone point me towards the right way to flush the cooling system?

 

The "right" way requires a machine. Idk if thats something autozone rents out or not but its worth finding out. There are other effective ways im sure though. At the shop they use a machine that as the water pump moves the coolant it empty's the old stuff into a bucket and then puts the new stuff in till its clean stuff coming out and it also has a chemical that goes in the old stuff to help and then another one you put in after the flush.

 

If the coolant is looking like chocolate milkshake, you got a big issue on your hands. Take it to a shop to have it flushed and the source of the mixing identified.