Why does my coolant reservoir look black?

Why does my coolant reservoir look black?

Black coolant can be caused by deterating radiator hoses, crud in the cooling system, and oil getting into the coolant. Not only engine oil from a blown head gasket, or an intake manifold leak, but transmission fluid from a leak in the cooler in the radiator.

What causes oil in the radiator?

When a head gasket fails, oil can leak into the cooling passages and then end up in the coolant. This results in the brown sludge that can be seen in the top of the radiator, and the coolant reservoir. Coolant can also leak into the combustion chamber.

What happens if you have oil in your coolant?

The mixture of engine oil and coolant can lead to some serious damage to your car engine. Once the mixture has reached the engine, it will no longer function properly. If you continue to drive it you may see sparks or a small explosion in the engine.

What kind of fluid is in the coolant tank?

No fluids on the ground under the car. Raise the hood. Everything looks okay until I spot some chocolate colored thick fluid on suspension located under coolant expansion tank. Tow car, two miles home. Open coolant reservoir, and find low water (no alerts on dash) with dark colored sludge at bottom of tank. Car starts without any issues.

What causes oil to mix with coolant in a Mercedes?

If you have the Valeo, it is almost certain to be leaking and allowing coolant and transmission oil to mix. Keep in mind that old, used transmission oil will be black, not red like fresh oil. Bang! Head gasket or tranny cooler failure!

What are the features of a Freightliner Cascadia truck?

Driver’s Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) steering wheel airbag Bendix BlindSpotter side object detection system Factory installed TriPac™ Auxiliary Power Unit powered by Thermo King Bluetooth radios Heated hood mounted mirrors Wabco ECAS 14.5” Hendrickson Aero Clad Aluminum Bumper 12”, 20”, 24” side extenders with side extender seals

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