Just filled up my radiator with water and when it came to the top I noticed that the water was a rusty brown colour - is this normal?? I've had no issues with the cars performance, but just want to nip this in the bud now if there are any problems.
Help is much appreciated!
Radiator water
Moderator: martauto
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ChemicalAl
- E30 Zone Regular
- Posts: 565
- Joined: Mon Sep 22, 2008 11:00 pm
- Location: Sydney
1987 E28 528i Diamond Black 74k
1986 E28 525e Saturn Blau 72k
1988 E28 525i 56k
1987 E28 525e 51k
1991 E32 730i SE Granite Silber 75k
1988 E30 316 Black 81k
1992 E30 318i Touring Diamond Black 43k
1990 E30 325i Touring Alpine White 2 65k
1986 E30
1986 E28 525e Saturn Blau 72k
1988 E28 525i 56k
1987 E28 525e 51k
1991 E32 730i SE Granite Silber 75k
1988 E30 316 Black 81k
1992 E30 318i Touring Diamond Black 43k
1990 E30 325i Touring Alpine White 2 65k
1986 E30
It has probably been run without antifreeze at some point. The reason it's supposed to be used all year is that it contain rust inhibitors to help stop corrosion. If its not overheating or losing water you're probably ok. I got rid of the rusty colour on a Renault of mine by disconnecting the coolant pipes in turn and running a hose pipe both ways until it went clear then using a coolant flush. The water was lovely and clear, clear enough to see the exhaust gases bubbling through it... Straight to the scrappy
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Brianmoooore
- E30 Zone Team Member
- Posts: 49358
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Shouldn't be orange stuff in there!! Definitely been run without or with old antifreeze.
Get it flushed out with a chemical flush, take the radiator out and back flush it, then fill with decent antifreeze. Replace every two years.
Get it flushed out with a chemical flush, take the radiator out and back flush it, then fill with decent antifreeze. Replace every two years.