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YOUR RESEARCHResidue in Coolant Tank - Intermix?
Leading reported evidence
Check with durametric)
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
Oil was changed in 3000 miles ago, level appears good (may have consumed 1/2l over the past 3000 miles) and colour is looks fine.
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
When I topped it up, I used a bit with a bit of Waterwetter and filtered water (combined 300 ml max) - no residue at the time.
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Suggestion
I have been using Waterwetter in my other cars with good results and no residue.
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I have found a bit of residue coating the inside of my new coolant tank - concentrated on the exposed surfaces near the cap. The residue is brown (with maybe a tinge of green). Additionally there seem to be a flakes of sediment in the coolant.
The reason that I was checking is related to the fact that level was a bit low a month ago and I wanted to check if it had fallen after topping it up. It had, but the loss was maybe 200 ml. At the time there was no residue in the coolant tank.
Key facts
Car has run fine and generally quite cool (82C on highway)
No CELs (checked with Durametric)
A new expansion tank and cap were installed in April along with new OEM coolant
When I topped it up, I used a bit with a bit of Waterwetter and filtered water (combined 300 ml max) - no residue at the time.
No evidence of fluid eaks on the ground under the car
Oil was changed in 3000 miles ago, level appears good (may have consumed 1/2l over the past 3000 miles) and colour is looks fine. Oil filler cap is clean as a whistle - no milkshake.
I noticed a slight high pitched whine from the rear when I started the car today - definitely related to the accessory belt - thinking perhaps a failing WP?
BTW the engine is a factory re-manufactured engine which was installed in 2008. It has about 35k miles on it.
When I saw it, I thought intermix and my heart fell. Does this look like intermix? Could it be the Waterwetter that I used in the top up reacting with the coolant?
I know intermix is fixable, but before I go there I would appreciate any other ideas. If it is intermix, am I correct that the sources are: (1) cracked head; (2) AOS; (3) spark plug tubes or coil packs; (4) oil cooler?
I'm not sure if it's water wetter as I never used the stuff. It would be normal after getting a new expansion tank to have to top off the coolant after running it a few days.The intermix is usually very pronounced as a little oil can screw up a lot of coolant. CEL would be a late sign.
I think only time will tell if it is an early intermix problem and your series of the causes of 1-4 seem to be right except maybe for #3. #1 is caused by waterpump impeller breaking a piece off and cloging the cooling channels in the head creating the hot spot and then crack in the head
That is such a small amount. I wouldn't worry about it. Grease/oil may have been introduced to the system during a coolant flush or cooling component replacement
They look like small pieces of black plastic. All are under 1mm and thin. Heavier than water.
Here are some pictures of coolant that I extracted from the expansion tank with a baster and left to sit overnight. (the jar is roughly 2 1/2" om diameter)
Whatever the residue is sank to the bottom of the jar and is not floating on the meniscus. It also concentrated in the middle (picture 2)and did not flow quickly when I tipped the jar (picture 3)
I don't think thats anything of concern. Intermix would result in a much more milkshaky situation.
If it were me, I'd keep an eye on it, but not freak out.
I had the same residue form on my coolant cap after adding Waterwetter to my cooling system. I have been using Waterwetter in my other cars with good results and no residue. I emailed Redline and they stated that a precipitant sometimes develops due to a reaction of the anti corrosion additive in the Waterwetter with some coolants and that it is harmless. No need to be concerned.
One possibility.
I had the same black "plastic" stuff in my coolant after 12 years, and 75,000 miles.
It was residue from the head gaskets peeling off. Either paint or sealant or glue.
Take a look:
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