O.T. Dexcool question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 254
Likes: 0
From: Crofton MD
O.T. Dexcool question
For the last 90,000 miles my Surburban has had Dexcool in it. Probably time to flush and replace. Can I use the regular Prestone type flush with Dexcool? I have also heard of some Dexcool problems, any thoughs on staying with it or switching to regular Prestone?
thanks
Gil
thanks
Gil
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Re: O.T. Dexcool question (gmcclurg)
I am a big fan of Dexcool. I started with a new aluminum rad and prestone. After a year I closely looked internally at my new rad and it was all coated/corroded inside. I flushed everything out and switched to Dexcool. The following year the rad looked brand new inside. I have used it for about 5 years now with the rad looking shiny and new inside.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,660
Likes: 3
From: South Central Louisiana
St. Jude Contributor
Re: O.T. Dexcool question (gmcclurg)
Rule of thumb: :thumbs: Stick with what originally came with your vehicle when it comes to oil(dino or synthetic) or coolant.
Follow the mixing instructions carefully. Some say Dexcool is critical.
Follow the mixing instructions carefully. Some say Dexcool is critical.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,659
Likes: 7
From: Katy (Houston) TX
CI 7-8 Veteran
Re: O.T. Dexcool question (gmcclurg)
The thing with Dexcool and the older green type coolants is that when they get mixed together they form a gel. And of course that gel can clog up passageways. So it really is best to stick with what you've got. But if you do change, make sure you flush system completely and very well with water.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 98
From: Ontario
Re: O.T. Dexcool question (gmcclurg)
You will not have a problem with the flush. But do not mix ethylene glycol with DexCool. The latter was developed for modern engines with aluminum components but it will work very well with older engines as well. There were early problems with brown sludge build-up but that seems to have been sorted out.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 511
Likes: 0
From: St. Louis MO
Re: O.T. Dexcool question (LAvetteman)
Mixing Green (glycol) and Red (dex) isn't good, if you do swtich from green to red be sure you have flushed every last drop of green goo out or your going to make a nasty black gooy mess inside the water passages and can in some cases clog up some of the passages. Had some first hand experience with this.
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Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,360
Likes: 382
From: Plano TX
Re: O.T. Dexcool question (442olds)
3 years ago I switched my 71 to dex-cool. I just drained the radiator and removed the drain plug in the block. Last week I decided to have it replaced as I'm sure there was still some green stuff in the system. Had a shop do a full coolant replacement. The stuff that came out looked brand new. Clear orange with no sludge or corrosion. I'm leaving it in for 5 years this time.
So my experience is that draining radiator and block is good enough, no need for a flush. Of course I may just have gotten lucky.
So my experience is that draining radiator and block is good enough, no need for a flush. Of course I may just have gotten lucky.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,143
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte NC
Re: O.T. Dexcool question (gmcclurg)
For the last 90,000 miles my Surburban has had Dexcool in it. Probably time to flush and replace. Can I use the regular Prestone type flush with Dexcool? I have also heard of some Dexcool problems, any thoughs on staying with it or switching to regular Prestone?
thanks
Gil
thanks
Gil
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 98
From: Ontario
Re: O.T. Dexcool question (Fang S-289)
You are bang on! Some of the earlier problems re sludging related to defective rad caps on GM V6 engines, particularly with Buicks. The caps would not seal properly owing to burrs in the rad neck and air got in. The result looked like chocolate pudding. Saw many of those when I worked for GM in 2002-03.
