Foam in Anti-freeze

[spinelll]

Drained the anti-freeze (cold engine). All that foam is just the result of the anti-freeze dropping from the spigot to the pan. If this occurs via simple, mild agitation, I would think that it rules out head gasket and air seeping in from the water pump.


Flushed and refilled with plain water. I'm gonna run with water for a while, flush again, fill with water, rinse repeat. Definitely not gonna reuse the anti-freeze.


Leo

[Gene F]

Are you losing water?

[nkaminar]

You could use your espresso maker to test the new brand antifreeze. Just foam it like you would froth some milk. Or maybe just use the electric egg beater. Do this when you wife is out of the house for a while.

[spinelll]

Originally Posted by Gene F

Are you losing water?

I don't think so. Just what overflows when it foams.

[spinelll]

Originally Posted by nkaminar

You could use your espresso maker to test the new brand antifreeze. Just foam it like you would froth some milk. Or maybe just use the electric egg beater. Do this when you wife is out of the house for a while.

Don't laugh.
I whisked it for a bit hoping to attain soft peaks.

[spinelll]

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This is what I have after my second flush/just water/get hot trial.


As far as fresh anti-freeze, I'm sure I read where that Zerex low-silicate (that I used prior) was the way to go for old cars.

[spinelll]

Update. Still running with water.


I put some of the drained anti-freeze (AF) in a water bottle, shook it up, and the result was crazy foam. Does that indicate oil/grease in the AF?



Did the same think with unused AF and it was fine.


I'm gonna give the water some more time but do you think I should add some laundry detergent to rid the system of any grease, prior to refilling with AF?

[ryanheacox]

Originally Posted by spinelll

I'm gonna give the water some more time but do you think I should add some laundry detergent to rid the system of any grease, prior to refilling with AF?

Use dishwasher detergent, laundry detergent will foam worse than anything you've seen yet.

[Ramman]

Dawn, to be specific. It cuts oil and grease really well. Especially at 140°.

[C1Nelson]

Originally Posted by mass A man

Years ago I had a foaming problem, rebuilt engine, clean inside, leakless pump, could drive forever in 90 degree heat, no overheating but foaming. Someone on THIS site mentioned to use Sierra antifreeze, so I tried it (50/50 mix) and it worked. No more foaming. Sierra is a few bucks more than some other brands but I was at a loss and ready to try anything. I'm certainly no chemist so I can't explain it.

I had a similar experience years ago and switched to Sierra and no foam. Sierra is no longer available at the parts stores in our area. The last I needed I had to order through Amazon. If I am on the road and need more I would only be able to find the normal brands. Sierra is a different type of antifreeze as they use propylene glycol and I think I read you can’t mix with the ethyl glycol. Many guys here mention other types that will work and is readily available.

[Gene F]

Originally Posted by C1Nelson

I had a similar experience years ago and switched to Sierra and no foam. Sierra is no longer available at the parts stores in our area. The last I needed I had to order through Amazon. If I am on the road and need more I would only be able to find the normal brands. Sierra is a different type of antifreeze as they use propylene glycol and I think I read you can’t mix with the ethyl glycol. Many guys here mention other types that will work and is readily available.

Don't they sell that at Walmart, under the Peak brand?

I used to use Sierra. It takes a different type of tester to check it's protection level.