Radiator sludge

**vamr** · 19th December 2006, 23:03

This may sound daft but... is there supposed to be a build up of aqua-white, off-milk like sludge in the radiator of this nature?

And if not, any recommendations as to how to drain and refill?

Thanks in advance.

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**Disco Dan** · 19th December 2006, 23:18

Originally Posted by vamr

is there supposed to be a build up of aqua-white, off-milk like sludge in the radiator of this nature?

*Bites tounge*

**vamr** · 19th December 2006, 23:20

The texture is not too disimilar.. a tad more like fresh yogurt.

**Disco Dan** · 19th December 2006, 23:22

If its not green - ie the colour of your coolant. then obviously there is something else in there.... i would 'flush'.

**What?** · 20th December 2006, 05:23

Sounds like there's oil in your coolant. Flushing is all very well, but you need to find and fix the problem, as it will get worse. Possibly disastrously so.

**Motu** · 20th December 2006, 06:39

That doesn't look good,the oil has to come from somewhere.Usualy a blown headgasket,cracked head or an internal frost plug.Flush it out and see if it returns....

**Flyingpony** · 20th December 2006, 08:12

Is your bike losing radiator fluid?
What colour is your engine oil?
If it's remotely the same colour, then you've got a serious problem which must be found asap.

Originally Posted by Motu

That doesn't look good,the oil has to come from somewhere.Usualy a blown headgasket,cracked head or an internal frost plug.Flush it out and see if it returns....

That reminds me. One day after tanking up and 4m later, the engine will make it's final dance as it drowns in its own slimy cream slush being rapidly squirted and sucked via the air intake ...
One very good thing about it though, all the oil inside the engine will also be the same creamy slush and it makes really good hand cleaner while rebuilding the engine

**vamr** · 20th December 2006, 13:52

Just a note, this is a kr-150 2stroke if that changes anything.

**ArcherWC** · 20th December 2006, 14:11

Originally Posted by vamr

Just a note, this is a kr-150 2stroke if that changes anything.

No dosnt change a thing, still need to find the leak

look at the most likely ones first, head casket and water pump

**Motu** · 20th December 2006, 14:17

In that case it's most likely gearbox oil - I don't know the bike so no idea how gearbox oil will get into the coolant,but somehow it has.

**Ixion** · 20th December 2006, 15:15

Failed water pump seal (if they have a water pump) . That does it on the GT750

**vamr** · 20th December 2006, 16:16

Thank you all for the prompt replies.

Just incase I ordered a replacement head gasket which will arrive tomorrow.

Will flush the radiator in a sec and attempt to figure out where the waterpump is located... some days I really wish I had a manual but alas no shop seems to be able to convince kawasaki to cough one up.

**vamr** · 20th December 2006, 17:08

Hrm, have just flushed the radiator.

The content resembles rather foul milky coffee, appears to be a lot of oil in there. The gearbox oil reserve looks alright.

Time to disassemble

Also, in the coolant there were quite a few tiny black flakes that were found at the bottom of the drain pan. Perhaps a hint of where all went wrong?

EDIT: Couldn't locate the leak but I didn't fully disassemble, just to the return. As this is the first time I changed the coolant, I have no idea when was the last time it was done.

Am worried about the bits of debris floating in there even after I hosed it down. Appears to be metal flakes inside the radiator (I'd suspect rust but the flakes appear untarnished). As mentioned above, on the initial flush the flakes that came out were black so perhaps the old coolant was acidic?

Started the engine to cycle the coolant through, let it warm up, temperature is stable. Sounds normal, opened the throttle a bit, still running as per usual. The coolant still appears to be clean so I guess will need to go for a decent ride to check if the problem persists or if it was just incredibly old coolant. Will endeavoring to take the engine out on sunday to check up on the condition of the top end (and clean out the powervalves).

And this ranting is more for my own reference then anyone else.

**vamr** · 21st December 2006, 16:36

Originally Posted by Ixion

Failed water pump seal (if they have a water pump) . That does it on the GT750

You and Motu were absolutely right. It's the water pump seal. Replacement seal and gasket will be coming in tomorrow.

The gearbox oil has mixed with the coolant.