This will be a three part question. I have a 2001 Ford Taurus SES that I've had for 14 years and suddenly the coolant reservoir is milky with rust in it what could it be, and why, what must I do to fix it?

5

Asked by Mark Aug 22, 2015 at 06:11 AM about the 2001 Ford Taurus SES

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

2001 Ford Taurus SES w/S in the middle of the VIN
I have flushed the coolant reservoir, but the milky rust substance has returned. I need help before the semester starts, so I will have a reliable car to get to and fro classes. It will be a blessing if I get my car fixed before the 27th of this month. I also have a 2001 Taurus SEL for parts if it will help thanks community.

6 Answers

64,510

You need to flush to entire cooling system. Use Prestone Super Cooling System Flush.

2 people found this helpful.
157,445

Flush the system and have it pressure tested. Milky could be engine oil and it could have an issue with head gaskets. Does the engine oil look okay or is it milky looking also?

2 people found this helpful.

Had same problem I power washed the coolantsystem and change overflow bottle car runs great it definitely got to get that stuff out of your system

Well milky oil means head gaskets most of the time, but you could have a minor leak somewhere else as well, but there is a simple test you can do. The 1st one is called a compression test pull all of your spark plugs and take the cap off of your radiator. Put one spark plug at a time back in the cylinder and turn the engine, but before you try to start the car pull your starter fuse and your fuel pump fuse so the car will only crank. If there are bubbles coming up in your radiator when you turn the car over that means what ever cylinder the spark plug is in when you get bubbles is where the head gasket is blown. Or you can just go but the chemical test that fits right on your radiator and it will tell you with in seconds.

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