Bob Petruska

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/430/crud.jpg"></center><p>I'm not sure if this brown crud like material was always in the coolant resevoir the last few months. It just caught my eye today. I don't think it was there 2 weeks ago when I looked at the coolant level from the front. The crud coats the sides and top of the tank. The crud extends below the coolant level so it doesn't slosh around. I placed my finger in the liquid and there doesn't seem to be any oil residue on the coolant surface. The crud seems to stain my fingers brown, but washes off easily with soap and water. Will someone look at their coolant resevoir and let me know if this is just normal corrosion. I haven't changed or flush the system in the 5 years I have owned my '97 2.8 A4. One other request...the service manual states that there is a bleeder screw in the coolant tube below the resevoir. I can't locate it on the 2.8 system. Does anyone know where this is in case I need to remove the resevoir to clean it out or flush the system?

If this is oil in the coolant...then my 2002 A4 purchase will come more quickly.

Keyna

I have never added, changed, or flushed the system.

CharlieGSanD

how old is your coolant?

Bob Petruska

As I stated above .....factory fill, 5 years old. Never added any at all, same level all 5 years

EdP

Sounds normal, but you need a flush.

KaJoe

I had the same stuff appear in my old Honda. It looked liked brownish foam. I was told by a mechanic buddy of mine that it was NOT oil in the coolant, which is what it sure looked like, but the old coolant breaking down. Flush and refill the coolant and it should be OK.

bugbbq

wakka wakka wakka.

Tony T.

Re: Not normal! Maybe you've a crack in engine block or maybe is not oil.. Check it

CharlieGSanD

oops ; P .......... its just old coolant, flush the system and you will be fine

bugbbq

It's all cruddy looking. I flushed mine and the fluid is bright red, but the crud still covers the top...it's a thin coating and it isn't chaning the overall color of the new fluid, so it seems harmless..

one of these days when I'm really ,really bored I may take it apart and clean it out. but oh whell.