Ketchup used for coolant?

[Goose17]

I think the prior owner used ketchup for coolant. I can't tell whether it's Hunts or Heinz though. Should I be concerned about this? How can I clean it out? Thanks

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Depending on the age and condition of the radiator, I might consider just replacing it. If not, open the drain and pull the lower hose, flush liberally with water.

 

[Goose17]

Appreciate it.
I'm in the process of replacing everything. I flushed the system with distilled water before taking it apart.

 

[Super77]

I think the prior owner used ketchup for coolant. I can't tell whether it's Hunts or Heinz though. Should I be concerned about this? How can I clean it out? Thanks

Have you dipped a fry in it? Heinz is a little tangier.

 

[Batameez]

You can flush it but you might expose a leak or more. At minimum the radiator should be replaced. Ideally you should replace radiator, TB, oil cooler, and whatever other cooling system related hose.

 

[Goose17]

You can flush it but you might expose a leak or more. At minimum the radiator should be replaced. Ideally you should replace radiator, TB, oil cooler, and whatever other cooling system related hose.

Thanks. How do I know if my oil cooler is bad?
I'm replacing the radiator, timing belt kit, cleaning the throttle body and replacing the steering rack. I hadn't planned on doing the oil cooler though.

 

[iwashmycar]

So is that some sort of stop-leak stuff? While it might be more concentrated up at the top/neck there, I don’t think there is any “cleaning” that would work. Just replacing stuff.

 

[Goose17]

So is that some sort of stop-leak stuff? While it might be more concentrated up at the top/neck there, I don’t think there is any “cleaning” that would work. Just replacing stuff.

I'm not sure.
I'm not getting any heat, so I think my heater core is clogged. I also wasn't able to get any coolant out of the engine block drains.
I wasn't having any overheating issues and the CE light was not illuminated.
I got it salvage to restore. It had a rough former life.

 

[Goose17]

Is this the oil cooler? It is obviously leaking. That's probably the culprit then? I saw a write-up where he replaced the o-rings and cleaned everything up. Is that what I need to do? Thank you very much

 

[RapidRob]

Most comments seem to be judging that pic as the radiator. Looks more like the outlet or inlet to the engine to me.
Am I mistaken? If not you have a mess inside the engine too. Probably rust, stop leak or a combination.

 

[Goose17]

Most comments seem to be judging that pic as the radiator. Looks more like the outlet or inlet to the engine to me.
Am I mistaken? If not you have a mess inside the engine too. Probably rust, stop leak or a combination.

You are correct. That is the driver side of the engine. I am going to try to flush everything out tomorrow. I hope fixing the oil cooler leak will do the trick and it's not a head gasket issue.

 

[Batameez]

Thanks. How do I know if my oil cooler is bad?
I'm replacing the radiator, timing belt kit, cleaning the throttle body and replacing the steering rack. I hadn't planned on doing the oil cooler though.

My wording is a little funny, I meant any hose going to things such as the oil cooler. I've seen clogged coolers though but generally these can be cleaned.

 

[Dirt J]

You can by radiator flush products at parts store. If it were me, I'd take the radiator and oil cooler out of the loop and flush the block and heater core really good both directions until it runs clear.

 

[Goose17]

You can by radiator flush products at parts store. If it were me, I'd take the radiator and oil cooler out of the loop and flush the block and heater core really good both directions until it runs clear.

I did a little research last night. I think there is oil in my coolant from the oil cooler. I'm going to fix those gaskets on the oil cooler and then flush the system until it's clear. I read that Cascade soap and distilled water is the safe way to go. I'll update everyone and let them know how it works out. Thanks for all the replies!