So I noticed when I first got my truck that the radiator fluid is red. But so was my 03 chevy...right. So you think that tranny fluid is getting in coolant. Not long ago I change tranny filter and fluid. There was no sign of water what so ever in pan and tranny shifts as good as a stock one can. So I went to a BBQ and noticed coolant smell when i got there and steam from under the hood. I opened up hood and saw red sh*t all over first thought was tranny puked up extra fluid or air in tranny. But my coolant was low so I got to looking and I blew a hole in the heater line from core to top of the Head. tranny level was fine and no water evident on stick. So can anyone tell me any info on this red fluid? Feels like a deluted petroleum product. Do you thinks the guy before me put tranny fluid in there? Should I flush radiator? Im about to go on 3500 mile trip to AZ. Truck doesnt run hot. Does the radiator have a peacock or do I have to drop the bottom hose? Thanks

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Actually there is a little lie in there my first thought was I blew a head gasket and I was cussing especially after i just got done retorquing my arp head studs for the third time.

 

The original radiator fluid that came with mine was red when I bought the truck new. I think that Dodge uses red antifreeze. The radiator does have a drain valve on one of the lower corners. I had changed the antifreeze in my truck recently and the Chrysler fluid is red.

 

There are multiple colors of anti-freeze these days. Green, Red, Purple, Light Yellow, it's all messed up. Coolant should be green, end of discussion.

 

Exactly, threw me for a loop

 

had this in happen n a half ton dodge but it was some cooling fluid for the ac Or something like that maybe same stuff?

 

If its an auto, the heat exchanger can make it a soupie red atf and coolant mix.

 

Like water wetter, or royal purples additive, eh?

 

Something like that I guess, I really can't recall. O I remember it was for the tranny! Some sort of cooler line that ran through the radiator. It was a pain to replace but I got a local shop to rig me up one. This was for a 96 ramn 1500 but I assume it might be possible on a ctd though I doubt it. Anyways my $.02 I'll stop ramblin now

 

Red antifreeze is commonly ELC (extended life coolant)... it is typically good for 7 years were normal antifreeze is good for 3. The trade off is ELC has heavy detergents in it which are prone to leaking from seals that typical antifreeze will not. if it came with ELC fro mthe factory, should be good.

 

Coolant should be the correct formulation as spec'd by the manufacturer, regardless of color. Same types exist on the market in different colors.

There are some crossovers, where different formulas may be compatible to a certain extent, and where switching formulations along with a complete flush may be acceptable, depending on your goals and mods to the cooling system.