Not So Fast

After reading another thread about changing out the coolant and since my car is at 5 years (27,000 mi.)plus a few months I thought I would do it. So I have read a lot of posts on the subject, doesn't seem too difficult but there seems to be a lot of discussion about Dex Cool and whether or not its all its supposed to be. Like this thread I found
http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f31/dexcool-2659/
So I thought I'd ask you guys what your thoughts are, do I use Dex Cool or some other coolant ???
Thanks as always
NSF

BadAV

Been using it since I bought my 1994 Sonoma without any issues.

jft69z

Been using Dex as well for many years with NO problems. Keep in mind that the link you provided was from 2004. A lot of GM engines in that era had problems with intake gasket failures that caused engine oil to mix with the coolant and make a nice frothy goo in the cooling system. Saw it a lot with the GM 3.1 & 3.4 engines. Some may have incorrectly blamed the Dex coolant because it was a mess, but wasn't really the cause.

Quite possible the chemistry of Dex may have changed slightly over the years since then to account for some of the specific concerns mentioned in the TSB as well (running with low coolant level for extended time/mileage interval with air in the system).

69 L46 4 Speed

I ran Dex Cool in my 69 Vette, my 93 and 94 Z28's, and I still use it in the wife's 69 Camaro SS and my son's 71 Nova SS with no issues.

AORoads

And just to pile on Bobby, I've also used it w/o problems since '94. The real (or imagined) problems that some have had has to do with two things that I've read about: 1. some allowed their coolant level to get low and this caused frothing and then some sludge formation. Much of the low level was caused by an improper coolant change (leaving air pockets) with no subsequent follow up to check the level. 2. the mixing of two different types of coolant ("green color" coolant with the orange/red of Dexcool)---this doesn't work at all. There may be other reasons, but after the initial run in the early to mid-90s, I've seldom read of anyone having issues with Dexcool. Over in C7, the only issue I read about is for racing situations where some are experimenting with levels of water-to-coolant ratios due to engine oil and coolant overheating (which is more an issue of lack of cooling power aka radiator size or number). I'd say, do the change right and do it once. You'll be fine.

MikeERWNC

I use it in everything I own.
I love the look of orange Sunkist in my coolant bottle.
Mix it with an unopened jug of distilled water and you will be OK.

The green coolant just doesn't look natural to me. Especially when it gets old and nasty.

Kenny94945

Since it is original fill...mixing or changing to another coolant type requires a major flushing...IMO.

So "yea"...I'd stay with it.

I do not think there is anything bad/ wrong with Dex-Cool if changed at a five year mark as schedule.

jrose7004

I've never had any Dex Cool related issues with any GM car I've owned.

Absolutevil

Anybody know about how much Dex I would need to have on hand if I did a simple drain and refill? I think the coolant is my most over looked fluid on every vehicle I've ever owned, I just never think about it until I read a post like this.

MikeERWNC

Gallon of un mixed
Gallon of distilled water

Absolutevil

Thanx. Better do my pick-up to while I'm at it i guess.

Not So Fast

Thanks to all of the replies, nice to have answers to questions so fast. I'll stay with the recommended fluid then
NSF

JohnR2000

Not to change the subject,but any pictures of these cars. Some of my all time favorites.

Not So Fast

Finishing the job now, waiting for final drain (4th) and have the Dex-Cool standing by Hopefully no codes or over heat problems will occur, shouldn't. Thanks again guys!
NSF

Not So Fast

After reading some of the posts about problems on changing out the coolant with "air pockets" and such I was somewhat afraid I would have these, but nope, none.
Since its such beautiful weather here (85*) we went to a little pub yesterday, about 120 mi round trip, ran at 192* hwy and 210 traffic so all's good.
Even did my ole Tundra at the same time.
Thanks everyone
NSF

Not So Fast

My two prior Vettes
NSF

wayback

Makes me miss my 69 even more than normal. Had some great times in that car.

RocketDawg

What was your procedure? Since you say 4th drain, I assume you drained, filled with water, etc., until the final drain then filled with Dex Cool? Do you know what your final mixture is. Supposed to be 50/50 isn't it?

I need to do mine ... it's an '09 and still has the original.

Not So Fast

I actually followed the "how to's" in our forum. Yes I drained 4 times to get to clear water, starting the motor and letting idle long enough to open thermostat along with the heater being on high to get all I could out of the system, don't think you could ever get it all out though. Then I added the 6 qts of DexCool and topped off with distilled water, figure that's real close to 50/50 mix.
Doing it sure isn't done in the allotted time frame though, took about 3 hrs cause you have to wait in between phases. But gives you a feeling of self satisfaction
Bobby

RocketDawg

Thank you sir. As I said, I need to do it but I may just take it in and get it done. I don't even have jack stands anymore. I'm not much into crawling under cars any more.

Have you changed your brake fluid yet?