WTF: Literally dirt-like particles in the coolant?

[marshallpre1]

So I noticed my car wasn't getting up to normal temperature so I checked my coolant level. It was lower than normal. I had some drips in the garage. I then refilled it but noticed what looked like dirt. What is it? I'm guessing it might be the previous owner using non-distilled water? I've never seen anything like this before. I'll post pictures later, but I will let you guys know.

Thanks,
Jeremy

[Amays U G37S]

You mean rust? Just put all coolant into the radiator, fill it up. It will eat the rust right away. Trust me.

Unless its super bad and you need a new radiator, lol.

[marshallpre1]

No, like dirt dirt. Maybe it is rust, but hell it looks like dirt

[Amays U G37S]

Ya it will. Just fill the radiator up with full collant, no mix. Check it periodically over the next month. Squeeze the top hose that runs into the radiator a couple times. You should definitely see a difference.

[driftneil]

Unless the person before you put some radiator stop leak in it....Some look like copper, and some look aluminium.

[redbeardxxv]

Ya it will. Just fill the radiator up with full collant, no mix. Check it periodically over the next month. Squeeze the top hose that runs into the radiator a couple times. You should definitely see a difference.

And if flushing the coolant system, follow the instructions listed on here. I know it seems like a no-brainer, but man, I had air trapped in my KA, and it took forever to "burp" it. (car ran fine, then, after a coolant flush my h20 pump went, my thermostat went, and after 2 weeks of overheating HELL, i just went ahead and replaced the fan clutch along with everything else just to be sure- not saying you will have these issues, just sayin'- do it right the first time, learn from my mistake, lol)

[marshallpre1]

After doing a bunch of research, this seems "normal", especially since it was really just in the coolant reservoir. Also, it looks like I was losing coolant through one of the drain holes in the bottom of my Koyo Rad. I probably need to tighten that. I'll definitely flush the coolant soon though.

Thanks for all the advice