03-16-2010, 08:47 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
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Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Auburn, Ca
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Junior Member
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Brown Coolant?
I had my oil changed about 1k miles ago, and the dealership told me to keep an eye on my fluids because the oil and coolant were a little low when I brought it in. So I've been keeping a regular watch on my oil and coolant but today I noticed my coolant had turned dark brown from that light pink, oil was normal. The coolant also had an odd smell, has this happened to anyone? Does anyone know what could be causing it? I'm praying it's not a head gasket. Thanks
EDIT: '97 SR5 4wd
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03-16-2010, 08:53 PM
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#2
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Member
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Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Fairbanks, Alaska
Posts: 337
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Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Fairbanks, Alaska
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if your coolant hadn't been changed for a long time there may be some corrosion in your radiator and that may be what's causing your coolant to turn brown, if it were oil and coolant mixing due to a head gasket your oil would be milky in color. You could try getting your radiator flushed, they sell kits at the auto parts store that will remove deposits.
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03-16-2010, 08:59 PM
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#3
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Junior Member
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Location: Auburn, Ca
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Junior Member
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Quote:
Originally Posted by alaskaflyer
if your coolant hadn't been changed for a long time there may be some corrosion in your radiator and that may be what's causing your coolant to turn brown, if it were oil and coolant mixing due to a head gasket your oil would be milky in color. You could try getting your radiator flushed, they sell kits at the auto parts store that will remove deposits.
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Thanks, I think I'll try that first. I'm not sure what the previous owner did but I'm sure it's due for a flush/change.
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03-16-2010, 09:26 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SoCal
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Quote:
Originally Posted by deathbyplaane
I had my oil changed about 1k miles ago, and the dealership told me to keep an eye on my fluids because the oil and coolant were a little low when I brought it in. So I've been keeping a regular watch on my oil and coolant but today I noticed my coolant had turned dark brown from that light pink, oil was normal. The coolant also had an odd smell, has this happened to anyone? Does anyone know what could be causing it? I'm praying it's not a head gasket. Thanks
EDIT: '97 SR5 4wd
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Check the condition of your transmission fluid.
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Larry
"Monsters From the Id"
2004 SR5 V6 Titanium Metallic/Stone, Auto Dimming Compass Mirror, Valor Tip, Overhead Console W/HomeLink, Cargo Net, Michelin Cross Terrains, Added JBL Synthesis 10 speaker system 6/08, USA Spec PA-15 TOY Ipod Interface, Drivers Side Overhead Handle, Valvoline Synpower 5W-30, Mobil 1 75W-90, LEDs
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03-16-2010, 09:33 PM
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#5
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Elite Member
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Rust?
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2021 Tacoma 4x4 TRD Off Road Double Cab Short Bed (my DD)
2017 4Runner 4x4 Limited (the wife’s)
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03-16-2010, 10:40 PM
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#6
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Junior Member
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Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Auburn, Ca
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Quote:
Originally Posted by drmorbius
Check the condition of your transmission fluid.
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It was checked a ~ 4 of months ago, I'll check again tomorrow. What am I looking for?
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03-16-2010, 10:55 PM
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#7
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If it doesn't look like this, you have a problem
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1996 SR5 4Runner V6 4WD Auto
Toytec Ultimate w/ OME 890's plus 1.5" daystar spacer
60028 OME shocks, Goodyear Duratracs 265/75 -16
B&M 70268 with Magnefine filter, 199mm TBU
236K miles
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03-16-2010, 11:57 PM
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#8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by deathbyplaane
It was checked a ~ 4 of months ago, I'll check again tomorrow. What am I looking for?
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You are looking for coolant in your trans fluid. The trans fluid is cooled in the radiator and sometimes the tube with trans fluid in it (surrounded by coolant) corrodes through allowing the trans fluid and coolant to mix. It looks like a strawberry milkshake kind of. You mentioned the coolant had a new smell. Is it anything like trans fluid smell?
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Larry
"Monsters From the Id"
2004 SR5 V6 Titanium Metallic/Stone, Auto Dimming Compass Mirror, Valor Tip, Overhead Console W/HomeLink, Cargo Net, Michelin Cross Terrains, Added JBL Synthesis 10 speaker system 6/08, USA Spec PA-15 TOY Ipod Interface, Drivers Side Overhead Handle, Valvoline Synpower 5W-30, Mobil 1 75W-90, LEDs
Last edited by drmorbius; 03-17-2010 at 12:01 AM.
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03-18-2010, 09:17 PM
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#9
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Junior Member
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Location: Auburn, Ca
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I checked the trans fluid and it looks fine... I don't think the coolant smells like trans fluid, I'm not how to explain it; kind of burnt - fishy.
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