head gasket and head change/ coolant flush still dirty

[emmat5683]

hi all

so I have just had the head gasket and cylinder head done on my car. Then New oil and coolant flush after. when I picked up my car they advised this was all done and this is all on my invoice, but stated that the coolant tank is still dirty they have flushed but the tank still having residue in means the new coolant is still dirty. there is no gungy lumps as before just looks like dirty water. they advised to drive for a 1000 miles then have it flushed again. my question is, is that normal for it to till be dirty after a flush and require another. will it do any harm to my car driving around for a 1000 miles like that? just a bit worried that its still dirty as to me someone who cant pull it apart having a clean coolant tank was going to be my way of looking under the bonnet and knowing it was all ok. thank you in advance for any response,

Edited by emmat5683 on Friday 22 July 10:57

[stevieturbo]

Depends what you mean by dirty, how bad, what the dirt is etc etc etc etc etc

If oil had contaminated the cooling system at a time....this can be a nightmare to clean out. If it was very bad you'd be wise to at least inspect...but at best replace all rubber hoses that came int contact with the oil as they will have been damaged

Whether this shows itself now or at a later date...only time will tell, but oil will screw up the hoses.

[Little Pete]

Do you mean the coolant in the tank is dirty or the walls of the tank itself? It can be near impossible to clean the tank itself so you may be better getting a new or clean second hand one and fitting that. You may find you get rid of most of the dirty coolant at the same time as it will collect in the tank. As Stevie has said, check your hoses thoroughly as a lot of oil in there will damage them.

[dom9]

I heard (cannot confirm if this is a good idea) that some people swear by a dishwasher tablet or two in the header tank after the water has become dirty/ contaminated. Run that round for a good few minutes and then flush through with a hose after, to make sure it's all clear...

It doesn't sound obviously damaging as my dishwasher, pots, pans, cutlery etc all seem to survive (as well as rubber seals) dishwasher tablets but I am yet to do/ try this!