Something is In My Coolant

[Otto Man]

After having my Heater Core replaced (1), a total flush and thermo eplacement (2) and a total hose replacement (3), and finally re-replacing the fan switch sensor (4) all flushes in 3 months. I notice something floating "within" the drained antifreeze. I can't be sure what it is but I an hoping 85K, and 19 year motors "might" have junk in the coolant system. The anitfreeze is vibrant neon green but there is definetly a little something else in there.
Do I have:
1. Just the usual old car stuff in my coolant
2. The dreaded blown head gasket
If so, why do head gaskets blow in a manner to let oil seep into the coolant? And how long untill I should fix? Is this a must fix NOW? Are there any other ways to determine if I DO have a head gasket leak.
3. Don't woory about it until it smokes.
The car exibits NO unusual signs! It runs like a bat-outq-hell!
Man o Man
Chris
P.S. If I need a new E6 ported manifold does; Gator have one ?
May be the time???

[Pat_in_L.A.]

Rust and scale develop in any cooling system over the years. I'd bet that it's normal, seeing as how the engine has never been apart..

[Eyelawdoc]

Like Pat says, corrosion, scale, deteriorated rubber and other residue accumulate in coolant. That's why it is a good idea to flush it out every year or two. I wouldn't let it worry you. Fill it 50/50 with fresh stuff and move on!

[Ken Potter]

Somebody may have also used some kind of "Stop Leak" stuff and you have just flushed / stirred it up? Filter some of it through a coffee filter or paper towel to see if it's rust particles or some other kind of metal. The old stop leaks products used oatmeal. The newer ones use either bronze or aluminum powder ( pretty sure ).

[Joe P]

When you say floating, do you mean an oil slick type of floating or a particle type floating?

I know this is way off beat, but when I use the braided style supply tubes for faucets in customer`s homes, there seems to be an approximately 80% complaint of a funny taste / odor. This is due to the rubbery style of liner in the supply tube. Far fetched, but it may be just the oil petrolium (SP) by products of your hoses and such that your seeing??

Joe P.

[Otto Man]

I am the original owners and I know the "lack of' flushing history. My mistake!
I have just now replaced the radiator and every hose I can find. And drained the system on four occasions in three months. On this recent debacle I notice something other than antifreeze emulsified in the coolant. Not much, actually just a bit, but enough to wonder if it's oil? Just tring to get lessons learned, that's all.
Chris

[Erics SVO]

Did you use "pipe dope" or teflon tape on the new sensors/fittings when you put them in? Some of the "pipe dope" products have oil in them to help lubricate the threads as you assemble... My personal pref. is dope, as thats what I use in 'fitting. However tape does work well in a pinch, I have seen instances where it will mung up something if any of it breaks loose into a system...

-Eric