Anti Freeze
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,100
Likes: 12
From: Frederick Maryland
To the best of my knowledge there's no reason not to use regular coolant in an aluminum radiator. The problem arises from using regular glycol coolant mixed with Dex-Cool. That makes for a mess that coagulates and creates blockages. The problem is worse with aluminum components as the blockages result in overheating which is worse in aluminum.
GM suffered lots of problems and claims when they first started using Dex-Cool...they didn't adequately notify owners and techs about the problems (if they were even fully aware themselves of the non-compatibility issues). Owners and techs were adding regular coolant to Dex-Cool equipped engines and problems occurred.
GM suffered lots of problems and claims when they first started using Dex-Cool...they didn't adequately notify owners and techs about the problems (if they were even fully aware themselves of the non-compatibility issues). Owners and techs were adding regular coolant to Dex-Cool equipped engines and problems occurred.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
Dex-Cool is made for aluminum radiators and engine blocks. If you have an aluminum radiator it would be best for you to use Dex-Cool (or other similar coolant). Be advised that those type coolants can not be mixed with regular gycol-based coolants.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,666
Likes: 1
From: Where it's always hot as Hell-South Louisiana.
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Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 2
From: Lewisburg WV
thegazman
What king of anit-freeze do you have in your radaitor now? I have a DeWitt's aluminum radiator that I have been using regular (Prestone green) in four years now with no problems. You need to make sure your aluminum radiator is grounded. Just for safety I ran a ground wire from the radiator to the location where my engine is grounded.
CF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Cape Cod, Mass.
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I have always used the "green stuff", ethelyn-glycol based anti-freeze, mixed 50/50 with distilled water in my old Vettes with aluminum radiators. I only use Dex-Cool in the newer cars that use it as a factory fill. Never mix the two or you will end up with a gel like mess.
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Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
Most of the big box parts stores carry very few varieties these days.
The prestone extended life claims to be compatible with any type, but if going with a new rad a good flush is in order.
If doing so, do it with the old radiator installed, not the new.
To drain the system completely, remove the 2 block plugs above the oil pan. Take a heater hose off and flush the heater core with a garden hose.
If mixing used distilled water.
It's a good idea to change the coolant every year or 2 years max, no matter what the labels say, it's only 20 bucks. Also test for stray currents.
Seems to be everywhere:
http://www.prestone.com/node/378
The prestone extended life claims to be compatible with any type, but if going with a new rad a good flush is in order.
If doing so, do it with the old radiator installed, not the new.
To drain the system completely, remove the 2 block plugs above the oil pan. Take a heater hose off and flush the heater core with a garden hose.
If mixing used distilled water.
It's a good idea to change the coolant every year or 2 years max, no matter what the labels say, it's only 20 bucks. Also test for stray currents.
Seems to be everywhere:
http://www.prestone.com/node/378
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 783
Likes: 38
From: Mankato Mn
Wow, thats alot of info ! I already have the old radiator out for the 3rd time. I'm NOT going to put it in just to flush. I will make an adaptor to fit in the bottom hose & hook a garden hose to it & run the engine till it comes out clear on the top hose. Then flush the heater core seperatly. How does that sound ?
