Replaced bent radiator, trans fluid looks like strawberry milkshake

[formul8]

I replaced the radiator on my '94 last night, which was bent about an inch or so sharply in the middle. Previous owner tagged something, but surprisingly missed the condenser.

The trans fluid that came out was like a strawberry milkshake. The coolant seemed ok, but some brown crap came out when draining the remaining fluid out. I believe this was accumulation came from the drivers side before the bent section that could not flow properly. I do not think the coolant was ever changed since new.

Should I have the trans completely flushed?

 

[Hib Halverson]

If the "strawberry milkshake" was because the TFC inside the radiator was leaking, you definitely want to flush the trans. Depending on how long coolant and ATF were mixing, you may need to overhaul the transmission.

It also sounds like the cooling system is pretty dirty inside. I'd drain the block then flush the system with fresh water before refilling.

 

[formul8]

I am thinking the TFC line inside was bent or pinched, but not leaking. The radiator itself did not leak where it was bent either. The fluid is not slippery with coolant and the trans actually shifts fine. I replaced the knock sensors, so the block is empty. There was no sign of oil or ATF in the coolant.

The fluid does smell a little burnt, which I am wondering if maybe the line was pinched and the fluid cooked?

Where do the TFC lines run in the radiator?

 

[formul8]

 

[gmjunkie]

The fluid does smell a little burnt, which I am wondering if maybe the line was pinched and the fluid cooked?

Where do the TFC lines run in the radiator?

There is a transmission cooler that looks like one of these in the tank!!

And allot of water got in that transmission some how!! And you "Will" be putting a Transmission in it if you don't get it out'ta there!!

Don't really look like anti-freeze,are you sure that car hasn't been under water?? hnoeshnoes

 

[bradfordsvettes]

what does the fluid in the trans look like that milkshake is not good .your only saving grace is if the cooler line was pinched to the point of not flowing but then it may have overheated. check the trans if you have milkshake in there it is only a question of time Steve

 

[formul8]

There is a transmission cooler that looks like one of these in the tank!!

And allot of water got in that transmission some how!! And you "Will" be putting a Transmission in it if you don't get it out'ta there!!

Don't really look like anti-freeze,are you sure that car hasn't been under water?? hnoeshnoes

Ahhh, now I see how the trans cooler line runs... I highly doubt it is coolant since that part was not damaged. Probably water. Not good, but better than coolant!

I'll have it completely flushed before I drive it again.

The previous owner took an unplanned off road excursion into a soft ditch with some water in it. The compartment with the ABS/ASR stuff took in water from the drain hole and fried everything in there, which I have already replaced.

Thanks for the pic!

 

[formul8]

what does the fluid in the trans look like that milkshake is not good .your only saving grace is if the cooler line was pinched to the point of not flowing but then it may have overheated. check the trans if you have milkshake in there it is only a question of time Steve

Yep, milkshake on the dipstick. The car is not going to see hard use, so it should hold up for a while.

 

[lefoy84]

You are going to drive it like that? :eyerole

 

[formul8]

You are going to drive it like that? :eyerole

Yeah. Right to the trans shop 1.3 miles away to have it flushed.