Why is my coolant brown? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Those People · 07-31-2005, 11:53 PM

Let's see if anyone figure this puzzle out.

I bought a 93 pickup, 22RE, with a broken timing chain and cover. I discoved when doing the job that the coolant was very dark, almost black. I thought it may be oil but I thought any problem would be fixed when I replaced the head gasket. I got it all back together and it runs good except a slightly rough idle. I keep removing the coolant and adding new water but it keeps coming out brown. I can't figure out why it was ever black, or why it keeps coming out brown. It has small foam like bubbles in it to. It can't be the headgasket because I replaced it, even had the head pressure tested.

I'm thinking maybe exhaust is getting in. Can the cooling system be pressure tested?

***humanoid*** · 08-01-2005, 01:28 AM

Yeah, I'm sure the cooling can get pressure tested to find leaks. Your radiator might be rusted and maybe that's why it's dark brown/black in color. Not sure what else could cause that other than oil getting in there.

karazy · 08-01-2005, 05:34 AM

It's probably rust. You can get additives/flushes that will fix this.

Those People · 08-01-2005, 09:06 AM

I noticed the inside of the radiator is lines with a brown layer but I was thinking that was just build up.

***Bakemono*** · 08-01-2005, 04:18 PM

It means that your coolant is used-up. Get it flushed, add some new coolant and you're back in business.
Cap'n

wight tale deer · 08-01-2005, 04:41 PM

if you got the money replace the rad.. that fixed my probelm

redgtxdi · 08-01-2005, 06:32 PM

Power flush!!! No need to get a brand new radiator unless you can get a really good deal on one, but a POWER FLUSH will do wonders!!!!!!

Don't go to a dealer, go to a radiator specialty shop and ask them for a power flush. That sucker will clean 'er good!!!!!!

Then go refill with Toyota RED coolant and distilled water and you're good to go!!! (For a while, anyway)

BlkSrx · 08-01-2005, 09:46 PM

Did you ever think it could be the seals, or timing cover. How many miles are on the RE?

Those People · 08-01-2005, 10:47 PM

140k on the engine. New head gasket, and head was checked out.

I'm thinking it's just oil residue left over from when the timing chain broke. I still can't figure out how I got oil in the coolant but no coolant in the oil. ????

I think I am going to try and flush it myself. There is no antifreeze at the moment. I made a tool that I can hook the hose up to, then run water through the engine. I'll try it this weekend, just let it run for a bit with the thermostat out. In through the lower hose and out through the bottom of the radiator.

Thanks for all the input.

mooseketer · 08-02-2005, 09:38 AM

Boy does this sound familiar. Last fall my 22re, with 420k on it was doing the same thing. Turned out to be the timing belt cover. The guide was long gone and the timing chain had eaten its way through the side of the cover, at the seam, and on into the water area. At first the oil went to the water but the water didn't seem to affect the oil. The water looked like chocolate moose before I realized what had happened. After the timing was fixed there had been enough water in the oil to waste a rod bearing. So we had to do a complete overhaul. If you have not changed the timing cover STOP DRIVING THE CAR !!!! until you do. Install a new, non-plastic guide and a new cover, and change the oil and water (even power flush the water).

Good Luck.

http://www.partsdinosaur.com/ has a great deal on 22RE parts and ships fast, too.

Those People · 08-02-2005, 10:06 AM

I already replaced the cover. Thanks for that input though, now I know I know that I'm not alone here and that it is possible to get oil in water and not the other way around.

I changed the oil twice. I figure that should get the coolant out of the oil, if there was any.

smasheromalley · 08-02-2005, 11:02 AM

Brown coolant can happen to any engine. I had a chevy with the LT1 and the coolant was brown. It probably just needs a flush with a good cleaner and refill with a good extended life coolant.

ffpmlex · 08-16-2005, 04:17 PM

It sounds like you may have to have your radiator professionally flushed.

Those People · 08-17-2005, 09:44 AM

I did it myself last weekend. I found out a 5/8" garden hose fits nice and snug over one of the pipes near the back of the engine. I just slipped the hose on the pipe and turned the water on, The water exited out the loose hose that was removed from the pipe. To get the water to go through the whole engine I had to open the drain on the radiator for some of the time. It seemed to work good. I'll drive it a bit and see if the water is still dirty. I may have to repeat.