Radiator Coolant - Trans Oil Mikeshake
11-14-10, 06:23 PM
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Radiator Coolant - Trans Oil Mikeshake
04 GX470 w/95k; It appears the trans oil is mixing with the red coolant in my leaky radiator. This observation is based on a number of similar problems reported by 4Runner owners. The radiator overflow container is full of a strawberry milkshake mixture.
So I'm replacing the radiator then getting a machine flush on the coolant system. Because the transmission system is sealed I don't know how exactly to investigate the cross contamination without dropping the pan. I don't have any adverse symptoms with overheating, hard shifts or anything.
Any similar experience or suggestions would be appreciated.
Fullhouz
So I'm replacing the radiator then getting a machine flush on the coolant system. Because the transmission system is sealed I don't know how exactly to investigate the cross contamination without dropping the pan. I don't have any adverse symptoms with overheating, hard shifts or anything.
Any similar experience or suggestions would be appreciated.
Fullhouz
11-15-10, 05:25 AM
#2
Had the same issue in my tundra, the trans fluid runs into the lower portion of the radiator for cooling. These sections are normally seperate obviously, but an internal break occured and mixed the fluids.
When that happened mine immediately started shifting very poorly...
When that happened mine immediately started shifting very poorly...
11-30-10, 09:45 AM
#3
I would highly recommend you flush and change the tranny fluid as well. If there is any coolant in there, it will only cause expensive problems. It aint cheap to change the fluid, but it will be well worth it IMHO.
On a side note, my radiator was starting to seep a bit at about 90K. I had it changed. I had no contamination in the coolant that could be seen.
Even though my GX has "lifetime" (what a joke) tranny fluid, I have had it changed every 30K. They hate me at the dealership....apparently it is a pita to refill and get the level correct as it has to be "bottom filled" via the drain hole. Well, too bad! There is no way in hell I am leaving tranny fluid in there for over 30K. I have seen plenty of trannys with cooked fluid, etc, etc, etc. Couple that with the tranny "coolant line" going through the radiator and you are asking for trouble if you don't change it out periodically. That's just my opinion. I am a maintenance freak.
The whole "lifetime fluid" thing reminds me of the whole Dexcool mess. Lifetime, extended drain interval, yeah right!
At any rate, please change the tranny fluid too! With the pressure from the radiator/coolant system, some coolant must have gotten into the tranny fluid.
On a side note, my radiator was starting to seep a bit at about 90K. I had it changed. I had no contamination in the coolant that could be seen.
Even though my GX has "lifetime" (what a joke) tranny fluid, I have had it changed every 30K. They hate me at the dealership....apparently it is a pita to refill and get the level correct as it has to be "bottom filled" via the drain hole. Well, too bad! There is no way in hell I am leaving tranny fluid in there for over 30K. I have seen plenty of trannys with cooked fluid, etc, etc, etc. Couple that with the tranny "coolant line" going through the radiator and you are asking for trouble if you don't change it out periodically. That's just my opinion. I am a maintenance freak.
The whole "lifetime fluid" thing reminds me of the whole Dexcool mess. Lifetime, extended drain interval, yeah right!
At any rate, please change the tranny fluid too! With the pressure from the radiator/coolant system, some coolant must have gotten into the tranny fluid.
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