Today I noticed anti freeze pooled under my y-block. I assumed a hose had cracked, but nope, the leak was coming from the water pump. I pulled the pump and found a lot of rust inside it. Not just surface rust..good sized grains of rust and crud. So, I'm guessing a new pump and radiator flush are in order. What else should I do/check while the pump and radiator are out of the car?
everytime i drain my radiator i get some rust that comes threw system.im sure they make an additive to help.i had a buddy with a car that approx 6 months he would clean his system so much rust looked like mud coming out.
I would have the radiator back flushed and flow tested. While the pump is off, attach a garden hose to the heater hose outlet (on intake) and gently run water through the block (more force if you isolate the heater core). You most likely have a sludge buildup in the lower water jackets. Maybe a good time to replace expansion cups? Maybe a drain and fill every season and a complete flush every two with quality coolant and distilled water?
When you flush the block, be sure to remove the block drains on both sides. Often you need to sick a wire or screw driver in to break up the crud. If you get it clean, a mixture of anti freeze and water will help to keep it clean.
I should have added a smilie to denote sarcasm. I did a home flush of the radiator today and did not see too much crud flow out. I expected hand fulls of rust.