I bought my AU2 XR6 two years ago with 210,000 kms on it. Didn't get any receipts or service history with the car, but do know the previous owner had it serviced by the local Ford dealer. I did a basic cooling system flush when I bought it, and refilled it with at least 25% Prestone coolant.

The radiator started a slow leak a few months ago, so I replaced it with a new one yesterday at 236,000 kms. Out of interest, I did a thorough reverse flush of the old radiator (out of the car) to see what it contained. Below is a sample of its contents.


To give a sense of scale, the largest piece is about 2 cm long. It looks like some rusted cast iron and some scale. But I was surprised by the amount of debris. Should I be concerned? Or is this normal?

If it was the original radiator, it would be casting and machining residue in the water jackets from new.

flush it again mate, its remnants of old internals of ya old radiator and some casting from inside ya block, I would even flush out your heater core, I know this time of year, ya heater don't get used but you want it ready for the cold months ahead.

Id pull the thermostat out and power flush it.

If you have access to compressed air, you put a hose and an air blower nozzle in the thermostat housing, then turn the water on full and give short sharp bursts of air. You'll be amazed at what comes out.

Thanks for the good advice guys. It seems a full system flush is definitely in order. I can't imagine that bits that large will do much good going through the water pump or thermostat. When I bought the car, the thermostat was stuck open; I think I know why now . Cheers!

Fit a coolant filter or sock on/into the radiator hose

I'd give it a good flush first. Dont want a heap of s**t blocking up a radiator hose

^^^ of course!