Q: There is fluid that looks like a chocolate milkshake in the radiator

asked by on November 07, 2016

I drove from Fort Lauderdake to Stuart ( about 2 hours drive) and verified Coolant and was ok before the trip. Just before my return trip to Fort Lauderdale, I chech the radiator and found it full but with a fluid with the appearance, feeling, abd density as a Cocolate milkshake. With the color of a cofe with milk..

The car turn on and run ok.. But I was afraid to run back with that unusual fluid in the radiator.

I check the Motor Oil and look ok, I identified that the Power Stearing reservoir was almost empty. I identified that the power stearing system conects to the radiator.

I have search google and found that this could be due to a likage in motor Oil or in the power stearing liquid.

I lefted the car in Stuart and returned home wia UBER.

Please provide explanation and advise.

My car has 150000 miles.
My car has a manual transmission.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Radiator leak
Hello there! To verify if the radiator is in fact leaking, I would recommend that a well-trained technician performs a pressure test on the cooling system. Pressure testing the system will expose any coolant leaks (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/coolant-is-leaking-inspection) in the system and...
New front tires and aligned, but tires are different sizes
I would have the tire size double checked as a 60 series tire will generally be taller if the profile number does not change. The tire light is probably due to a failed tire monitoring system initialization which should have...
Failed emissions after P0505 code... Considering options
The mechanic that checked your vehicle is giving you a possible fix by cleaning the throttle body (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/clean-throttle-body) of built up carbon. This may help with the idle and P0505 code (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0505-obd-ii-trouble-code-idle-control-system-malfunction-by-jay-safford), and for passing the emissions test (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-pass-an-emissions-test-by-mark-vallet). The...
I can't remove the rear brake drums.
You should use heat to the drum around the hub and then spray rust penetrant spray on the hub and drum holes. Make sure you have loosened the brake shoes so you can get drum off. If still cannot get...
Why doesn't my turn signals work unless I press the emergency lights first and why does my hot & cold meter not moving
Hello there, you have a few different faults with your 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. If the turn signals do not work without the hazard lights than the most common failure would be a turn signal stalk failure, wiring harness fault,...
What causes my car to keep overheating?
Thank you for writing in! Typically the thermostat and water pump are the primary sources of overheating on a 1997 Toyota Corolla. However, since the fluid never left the reservoir, it could be caused by a blockage in the coolant...
How can my power steering leak all of a sudden when it wasn't driving for 30 days?
Hey there. This suggests your power steering pump (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/power-steering-pump-replacement) may be failing or you have a leak elsewhere in one of the power steering lines. The power steering system operates on very high pressurized hydraulic pressure (in some cases as...
My Volvo will not go in reverse after driving it home
If the transmission all of a sudden will not go into reverse, then check the shifter cable (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/shift-selector-cable-replacement) to see if the transmission is in alignment. To do this in the car, simply set the parking brake and put the...
My Check Engine Light is on - code P0010. The intake camshaft position actuator solenoid may be faulty.
Hello. The P0010 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0010-obd-ii-trouble-code-a-camshaft-position-actuator-circuit-bank-1-by-paul-lancette) code indicates a bigger difference in the cam timing (relative to the crankshaft) than should be possible with variable valve timing, which this engine employs. This could be the variable valve timing actuator on the camshaft...

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy for Short Commutes
If If you’re lucky enough to have a short commute to work, then you need to consider different factors when buying a used car than someone with a lengthier drive (or more time stuck in traffic). Chances are good that...
How to Diagnose a Faulty Water Pump
The water pump (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-buy-a-good-quality-water-pump) is a part of your vehicle with an important role in the engine's cooling...
How to Replace a Cylinder Head Coolant Temperature Sensor
Signs of coolant temperature sensor failures include sluggish acceleration, hard starting, and a Check Engine or Service Engine Soon Light.