I put a 10% citric acid solution together in tap water to perform several drain and fills. I filled the radiator, ran the car for 10 minutes with the heater on and blower at max, then shut it off and drained the radiator.
The water came out murky brown for the first three drains, and gradually turned to a clearer yellow by the fifth and sixth drain.
However, it sprung a leak where I didn't expect it:
It seems like it ate right through the metal of the lower thermostat housing line to the A/T cooler.
It's Magic time.
I can feel the befikri and mutmaeeni.
After making sure the Magic was befikar under operating temperature and pressure, did a couple more fill and drains until the water ran clearest. It still had a yellow tinge to it after 7 tap water fill and drain cycles, but I figure there are potentially more leaks to come, so in went the coolant.
Filled in 5000mL of Havoline Xtended Life Coolant at 50% concentration in the system, including the overflow reservoir. Final check for leaks at operating temp and everything looks good. Let's see what happens in the morning.
