What the heck?? Coolant gunk

[Righty Tighty]

I replaced my neighbor's thermostat (2016 Kia Sorento) and noticed this gunk at the radiator filler neck. I've never seen what happens when people mix incompatible coolants, but I've heard it can cause the coolant to "gel." Is this what happened here?

 

[RustyRatRod]

That looks more like oil contamination to me.

 

[Righty Tighty]

For their sake, I sure hope not. I dropped a few quarts to replace the thermostat, and from what I could see, it looked nice and clear. I'll give them a heads up when they pick up the car.

 

[RustyRatRod]

For their sake, I sure hope not. I dropped a few quarts to replace the thermostat, and from what I could see, it looked nice and clear. I'll give them a heads up when they pick up the car.

If it has sat up a bit, it might just be condensation. I'd run it a while and see if it clears up.

 

[jimjimjimmy]

thats oil for sure it floats to the top

 

[mopar head]

I`ve only ever seen that condensation cheese on oil filler caps.

 

[jimjimjimmy]

it's the same thing oil in water or water in oil

I`ve only ever seen that condensation cheese on oil filler caps.

 

[Righty Tighty]

Thanks, fellas. I checked their oil and the level is so low that it won't register on the dipstick. The dipstick also stained brown. I'm gonna top everything off and relay the (bad) news.

 

[mopar head]

Sounds well maintained

 

[Righty Tighty]

Yeah, no kidding.

 

[toolmanmike]

Look at the cap and imagine what the heater core looks like!

 

[Righty Tighty]

I forgot to ask why they wanted the thermostat replaced in the first place. A little voice is telling me not to dig too deep, I ain't got time for this!

 

[RustyRatRod]

Look at the cap and imagine what the heater core looks like!

Talk about cardio vascular disease. lol

 

[jimjimjimmy]

Talk about cardio vascular disease. lol

Good One

 

[JDMopar]

I had Covid for the first time last week. That looks like the stuff I been hacking up.....but way less green!

 

[Righty Tighty]

I had Covid for the first time last week. That looks like the stuff I been hacking up.....but way less green!

I should tell them that their Kia has Covid!

Side note: they picked it up and I gave them the run down. Told them what I did and what I found, and when I mentioned the low oil level, they immediately started cussing Walmart. They said, "Not again! We had them change our coolant and they left it empty!"

 

[JDMopar]

You need to install a peep hole in the door, just so you can see not to open it if they bring it back!