Tom

Tom,

Q My ‘94 Olds Cutlass with a six-cylinder engine overheated the other day.

Upon inspection of the coolant system, I noticed a thick strawberry
milkshake-like substance. Also, the automatic transmission fluid was low. I
have since replaced the radiator and now have the daunting task of flushing
the milkshake out of the coolant system. Any suggestions?

Casper—Anchorage,   Alaska

Casper,

A The strawberry milkshake in the radiator indicates the transmission oil

cooler in the old radiator burst and the transmission oil mixed with the engine
coolant, hence the strawberry milkshake-looking substance in the radiator.
This is not good because the transmission will eventually fail. Seals will
swell, hydraulic pressure will be lost inside the unit, and internal wear of the
transmission will accelerate.

Flush the cooling system and have the transmission rebuilt. Sorry for
the bad news.