Radiator gunk

2002 MITSUBISHI PAJERO
73,000 MILES • 3.5L • V6 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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BENJAMIN GROSS
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I have thick sludge in my radiator. I replaced it not too long ago. The oil looks fine, truck is running fine. I thought head gasket, but now am wondering if a corroded heater core could cause sludge in the radiator like that. No signs of a bad heater core except at idle and normal operating temperature with heater on full blast no heat until you rev to 2000 rpm's or so.
Jul 16, 2016 at 6:16 PM
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CJ MEDEVAC
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Do the transmission cooler lines run through it?

They sometimes develop holes.

The Medic
Jul 16, 2016 at 6:43 PM
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BENJAMIN GROSS
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They do, I am flushing it now, I was losing coolant, but I have not since I last topped it off.
Jul 16, 2016 at 6:47 PM
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CJ MEDEVAC
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What is the transmission fluid looking like?

The Medic
Jul 16, 2016 at 6:53 PM
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BENJAMIN GROSS
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It is sealed, but I had new fluid and filter in it about five thousand miles ago. I would have to drop the pan to check it. Thanks for the reply.
Jul 16, 2016 at 6:56 PM
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CJ MEDEVAC
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You could take a line loose as it enters the radiator and dribble a little out to inspect its condition.

I am guessing there is no dipstick for the transmission on that vehicle that would let you see some fluid.

Just was wondering if your lost coolant was getting into the transmission?

The Medic
Jul 16, 2016 at 7:58 PM
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BENJAMIN GROSS
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Right, thanks I will check that out.
Jul 16, 2016 at 8:13 PM