Anti-freeze breaking down?

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Sep 5, 2007 | 02:33 PM

Keystring

Thread Starter

Drifting

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 1,624

Likes: 2

From: Canandaigua New York

Anti-freeze breaking down?

What would cause anti-freeze to 'gel'?

When I drained my engine to pull it , the anti-freeze coming out looked normal except it had little 'globules' in it.

I took the water pump off and the insides look like the anti-freeze just turned into a gel that could potentially clog the pump.

What would cause that, and how is it prevented?

BTW. This car sat for a least 2 years.

Last edited by Keystring; Sep 5, 2007 at 02:37 PM.

Sep 5, 2007 | 02:49 PM

engle1147

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 5,043

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From: Tampa Florida

If you mix the green stuff with the orange stuff it will gel.

To prevent: stick with only one type the green or the orange--no mixing.

Sep 5, 2007 | 03:09 PM

runner140*

Le Mans Master

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 8,700

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From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl

Quote:

Originally Posted by engle1147

If you mix the green stuff with the orange stuff it will gel.

To prevent: stick with only one type the green or the orange--no mixing.

Sep 5, 2007 | 03:13 PM

Keystring

Thread Starter

Drifting

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 1,624

Likes: 2

From: Canandaigua New York

Quote:

Originally Posted by engle1147

If you mix the green stuff with the orange stuff it will gel.

To prevent: stick with only one type the green or the orange--no mixing.

The anti-freeze appears to be all green. Doesn't seem to be any 'amber' mixed with it at all.

Does all anti-freeze gel with age if it isn't circulated regularly?

Will it clog the radiator permanently?

Last edited by Keystring; Sep 5, 2007 at 03:16 PM. Reason: Should have asked before.

Sep 5, 2007 | 03:46 PM

Red Dwarf

Melting Slicks

Joined: Feb 1999

Posts: 3,261

Likes: 9

From: sonoma ca

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keystring

2 years of sitting..I guess anything can happen. Give it a good flushing & hope all will be ok.

Last edited by Red Dwarf; Sep 5, 2007 at 03:47 PM. Reason: additional info.

Sep 5, 2007 | 09:24 PM

89 Bob L

Burning Brakes

Joined: Dec 2000

Posts: 1,161

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From: Orangeburg, NY

Sometimes when you go to a quickie lube or have the oil changed the mechanics top off the tanks (Windshield washer, power steering and coolant tank). Someone might have used the wrong coolant when topping it off.

A flush should clear the system.

Sep 5, 2007 | 09:59 PM

WW7

Le Mans Master

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 8,735

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From: WV

I always get the antifreeze that is compatable with both types, that way you don't have to worry about it. It will say on the bottle that it (works with all other types of antifreeze). WW