About a month ago, my radiator "burst" û I assume because of decay, and somehow pierced the tranny cooler at the same time. Somehow fluids that were never meant to interact got together and mass hysteria followed (mine for the most part <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" /> ), resulting in very thick red coolant, and watered down amsoil tranny fluid (I lost a good amount of tranny fluid in the process). I did have to drive for a few miles - 20 or so - before I was able to get it to the shop. The tranny was slipping badly. My mechanic flushed the coolant system 3x and did a tranny filter and fluid replacement - I believe via the tranny cooler lines. Even now, the coolant is red-tinged, and the tranny fluid looks a little milky. I am in normal temp range, and the tranny operates OK, with the troubling exception of a mild "clunk" when it shifts from 1st to 2nd. My mechanic wanted me to drive it a bit, but has said that he'll do another flush of both fluids.
Has anyone had this happen, and if so, should I be worried about permanent transmission damage? What is causing the 1st to 2nd shift noise, and can this (or should I even bother) trying to have this fixed? Will I ever be able to get clean fluids in each system?
Thanks in advance.

Dang. That's pretty rare actually.

I dont' imagine the mechanic took a garden hose to the engine and did a complete flush. MAKE SURE you have the heater turned ON when you service a cooling system, as then you will flush out the heater core, and burp the air out of the system when you reservice it. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shame.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shame.gif" alt="" />

Don't wait too long for reflush of the tranny; I wouldn't entirely trust it. Not sure about the clunk thing; he might need to see if the bands need tightening. I usually steer clear of AT's myself. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />

AND LAST----DO NOT USE TAP WATER to mix your coolant. Might be how your radiator failed, in addition to your use of salt down there.

Thanks kewlynx. Sorry for the dumb question, but where should I source the water from for the coolant mix, if not from a tap? I assume my mechanic used the standard muni water supply. On the tranny, I'm taking it to the guys who installed my LSD to get their opinion.

Distilled water from your grocery store.