Coolant color = problems? With Picture

[860ford]

Drained the coolant today from the new to me ford 4410. It was worse than I've ever seen. I'm hoping it's not a head gasket problem. Just seeking some advice.

The first two flushes this is about the color I got using only water. Afterwards it became lighter brown with a lot of sediment settling out in the bottom.

Flushed around 40 gallons through until I was satisfied.



So do I have an issue (other than bad coolant)?

Is this from someone mixing different Coolant?

Is it just rust and broken down Coolant?


Will be refilling with 50/50 distilled / fleetcharge

 

[Larry NCKS]

I'd run it 10 hours and check it again. If it returns to that color, then I'd say you have a problem. However, I can't see what would make it that color other than mixed colors of antifreeze or really bad water.

 

[showcrop]

Rust without oxygen will be black. It is better that your system does not have oxygen.

 

[860ford]

I discovered a leak of water at the top of my radiator so I will be replacing that along with the coolant. I would guess that would have been introducing oxygen into the system.

hopefully this was the product of mixed coolants / corrosion and not oil. When feeling this "sludge" it did not seem "oily".

 

[Larry NCKS]

Oil will separate out and float on top coolant if left alone for very long.

 

[860ford]

Okay so now I really need some information. I have learned that the engine in my tractor is not the standard Ford 4000 engine. It is a 1995 replacement so basically a 4610 motor.

From all I have read I am aware of the cavitation and pitting problems. I also read somewhere that Ford did their best to improve this motor to prevent this issue at some point. Does anyone know if this is true and when it might have happened?

Just trying to make myself feel better thinking worst-case it may only be a head gasket. I really hope I don't have to bore and sleeve this block.

What raised concerns for me today was looking in the thermostat housing and seeing the very familiar rainbow color on top of the water. Granted I've only run that water for about 15 minutes through the tractor but it has me concerned.


Just trying to better educate myself and seek guidance from you all.

 

[860ford]

Correction. It is a 4630 motor