Coolant: To Dexcool or not to Dexcool?
08-24-2016, 03:30 PM
#1
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Coolant: To Dexcool or not to Dexcool?
I will be filling my coolant for the first time after a fresh rebuild and I have a decision to make.
I understand the basic difference in the green and red but would like to know your experience.
I know GM recommends the Dex-cool. I already have some green on the shelf but I'm considering the longer life and protective properties of the red. I live in north FL and have mine tuned for a 160deg therm.
Thanks.
I understand the basic difference in the green and red but would like to know your experience.
I know GM recommends the Dex-cool. I already have some green on the shelf but I'm considering the longer life and protective properties of the red. I live in north FL and have mine tuned for a 160deg therm.
Thanks.
Last edited by Rob 02; 08-24-2016 at 03:31 PM.
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Rob 02 (08-24-2016)
08-24-2016, 03:50 PM
#3
Le Mans Master
My mechanic recommended http://www.peakauto.com/products/ant...full-strength/
Dexcool is 25 year old technology and he said this stuff is better. It's the same color as Dexcool, too.
Dexcool is 25 year old technology and he said this stuff is better. It's the same color as Dexcool, too.
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Rob 02 (08-24-2016)
08-24-2016, 04:05 PM
#4
Safety Car
Thread Starter
I'm not switching fluids. This is a fresh build (engine and entire cooling system). I used green in my other cars.
That peak is interesting JR-01. I wouldn't mind hearing more about it. New technology is always interesting but old technology has been tested over time.
That peak is interesting JR-01. I wouldn't mind hearing more about it. New technology is always interesting but old technology has been tested over time.
08-24-2016, 04:28 PM
#5
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Not saying there hasn't been improvements in coolant over the years, but Dex-Cool has worked very well in my car for better than 13 years. Do your research and then decide.
08-24-2016, 04:32 PM
#6
Le Mans Master
Either one will work just fine.
Here is a little info about Peak;
Here is a little info about Peak;
PEAKs Global LifeTime antifreeze is formulated to work with radiator coolant systems manufactured across the world. The product promises lifetime service when proper maintenance techniques are followed. This formula is also designed to work with many other brands of antifreeze.
Why it's best:
This antifreeze from PEAK provides engine protection in all vehicles manufactured in America, Europe or Asia. Car owners can perform a coolant flush and replace with PEAK Global LifeTime and not have to change the coolant again, when following proper maintenance. The PEAK formula is phosphate and silicate-free, making it capable of topping off older antifreeze without requiring a flush. The amber color of this formula keeps from discoloring other antifreezes when mixed, so that a car owner can know exactly what color antifreeze should go in the vehicle. This product comes pre-diluted at a 50 percent concentration for quick use. This brand is promoted by PEAK as the worlds only extended life antifreeze technology to be approved by original equipment manufacturers across the world, including Ford and Daimler-Chrysler.
Why it's best:
This antifreeze from PEAK provides engine protection in all vehicles manufactured in America, Europe or Asia. Car owners can perform a coolant flush and replace with PEAK Global LifeTime and not have to change the coolant again, when following proper maintenance. The PEAK formula is phosphate and silicate-free, making it capable of topping off older antifreeze without requiring a flush. The amber color of this formula keeps from discoloring other antifreezes when mixed, so that a car owner can know exactly what color antifreeze should go in the vehicle. This product comes pre-diluted at a 50 percent concentration for quick use. This brand is promoted by PEAK as the worlds only extended life antifreeze technology to be approved by original equipment manufacturers across the world, including Ford and Daimler-Chrysler.
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Rob 02 (08-24-2016)
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Rob 02 (08-24-2016)
08-24-2016, 04:47 PM
#8
Safety Car
Thread Starter
It's great to hear that the fluid is tried and true. I have done some research, but I respect the opinions and experience of the people on this forum over anything else.
I was close to starting my car today. I have everything under the hood installed. While attaching the trans lines, it appears I have the wrong radiator. Now I have to R&R the rad. The new one arrived but I noticed that I have a serious black widow spider infestation in my garage. Just bug bombed the **** out of the garage (dead spiders everywhere)
Always something. I will get back to work in the AM. Meanwhile I will be needing fluid.
Thanks.
I was close to starting my car today. I have everything under the hood installed. While attaching the trans lines, it appears I have the wrong radiator. Now I have to R&R the rad. The new one arrived but I noticed that I have a serious black widow spider infestation in my garage. Just bug bombed the **** out of the garage (dead spiders everywhere)
Always something. I will get back to work in the AM. Meanwhile I will be needing fluid.
Thanks.
08-24-2016, 05:10 PM
#9
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Coolant thoughts ?
It's great to hear that the fluid is tried and true. I have done some research, but I respect the opinions and experience of the people on this forum over anything else.
I was close to starting my car today. I have everything under the hood installed. While attaching the trans lines, it appears I have the wrong radiator. Now I have to R&R the rad. The new one arrived but I noticed that I have a serious black widow spider infestation in my garage. Just bug bombed the **** out of the garage (dead spiders everywhere)
Always something. I will get back to work in the AM. Meanwhile I will be needing fluid.
Thanks.
I was close to starting my car today. I have everything under the hood installed. While attaching the trans lines, it appears I have the wrong radiator. Now I have to R&R the rad. The new one arrived but I noticed that I have a serious black widow spider infestation in my garage. Just bug bombed the **** out of the garage (dead spiders everywhere)
Always something. I will get back to work in the AM. Meanwhile I will be needing fluid.
Thanks.
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Rob 02 (08-24-2016)
08-24-2016, 05:15 PM
#10
Team Owner
Dex-Cool...........
In the climate where you live (North Florida), a 50/50 mix is unnecessary. A 65/35 (water/coolant) ratio will provide plenty of the protective freeze properties of the Dex, as well as an increase in the superior cooling properties of water. Mix your own with distilled water.
If you want to add a bottle of Water Wetter for extra hot weather protection, the aforementioned increase in the water ratio to 65% will allow it to work better as well, as its properties are more effective with water.
I have been running this combination for several years now. No issues.
HTH
In the climate where you live (North Florida), a 50/50 mix is unnecessary. A 65/35 (water/coolant) ratio will provide plenty of the protective freeze properties of the Dex, as well as an increase in the superior cooling properties of water. Mix your own with distilled water.
If you want to add a bottle of Water Wetter for extra hot weather protection, the aforementioned increase in the water ratio to 65% will allow it to work better as well, as its properties are more effective with water.
I have been running this combination for several years now. No issues.
HTH
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Rob 02 (08-24-2016)
08-24-2016, 05:24 PM
#11
Safety Car
Thread Starter
I'm with that 5yr plan. I like that it doesn't damage seals (silicate breakdown). I may be sold.
Man Killian, Member since 1999? I didn't even have an internet connection.
Man Killian, Member since 1999? I didn't even have an internet connection.
08-24-2016, 05:38 PM
#12
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Dex-Cool...........
In the climate where you live (North Florida), a 50/50 mix is unnecessary. A 65/35 (water/coolant) ratio will provide plenty of the protective freeze properties of the Dex, as well as an increase in the superior cooling properties of water. Mix your own with distilled water.
If you want to add a bottle of Water Wetter for extra hot weather protection, the aforementioned increase in the water ratio to 65% will allow it to work better as well, as its properties are more effective with water.
I have been running this combination for several years now. No issues.
HTH
In the climate where you live (North Florida), a 50/50 mix is unnecessary. A 65/35 (water/coolant) ratio will provide plenty of the protective freeze properties of the Dex, as well as an increase in the superior cooling properties of water. Mix your own with distilled water.
If you want to add a bottle of Water Wetter for extra hot weather protection, the aforementioned increase in the water ratio to 65% will allow it to work better as well, as its properties are more effective with water.
I have been running this combination for several years now. No issues.
HTH
JR-01's PEAK sounds good in its marketing, perhaps too good! I'm a bit skeptical. It claims to be a lifetime fluid. Hmmm!
If this were a poll the red would be winning.
Last edited by Rob 02; 08-24-2016 at 05:40 PM.
08-24-2016, 05:48 PM
#13
Le Mans Master
Found this:
.
Which antifreeze should I use?
Ethylene Glycol is the original "permanent" type of antifreeze. It is one of the most stable and common types. It is used in all types of gas and diesel engines. Diesel engines require a special additive to aid in the protection of the cylinder walls. It is also the least expensive to purchase.
Dex-Cool® uses organic acid technology as a corrosion inhibitor. Dex-Cool® should be used on vehicles that had it installed from new at the factory. It should not be used as a replacement for Ethylene Glycol. One of the problems associated with Dex-Cool® happens when air or oxygen enters the cooling system. When this happens, the air reacts with chemicals to create a heavy brown sludge which can clog up the system causing problems. The heat of the engine is the catalyst that causes this to happen. Dex-Cool® is the most expensive to purchase.
A new antifreeze on the market is Peak Global Extended Life®. It features organic acid technology with an entirely different, unique, and patented inhibitor package used in all automobiles worldwide, regardless of year, make, model, or original antifreeze color. Peak Global Extended Life® meets the Chrysler® and Ford® specifications and requirements. It is also compatible with Dex-Cool® and satisfies the requirements of GM 6277M (Dex-Cool®). Peak Global Extended Life® is also compatible with the European and Asian manufacturers.
If your cooling system is relatively clean, we suggest that you consider changing to Peak Global Extended Life Antifreeze®. If your system is on the contaminated side, we suggest that you use the standard Ethylene Glycol with an additive called Cool-Tec 2® which we use in our Ethylene Glycol coolant exchange services at no additional cost. Peak Global Extended Life® is good for five years or 150,000 miles. Peak Global Extended Life® is moderately more expensive than Ethylene Glycol and less than Dex-Cool®
Ethylene Glycol is the original "permanent" type of antifreeze. It is one of the most stable and common types. It is used in all types of gas and diesel engines. Diesel engines require a special additive to aid in the protection of the cylinder walls. It is also the least expensive to purchase.
Dex-Cool® uses organic acid technology as a corrosion inhibitor. Dex-Cool® should be used on vehicles that had it installed from new at the factory. It should not be used as a replacement for Ethylene Glycol. One of the problems associated with Dex-Cool® happens when air or oxygen enters the cooling system. When this happens, the air reacts with chemicals to create a heavy brown sludge which can clog up the system causing problems. The heat of the engine is the catalyst that causes this to happen. Dex-Cool® is the most expensive to purchase.
A new antifreeze on the market is Peak Global Extended Life®. It features organic acid technology with an entirely different, unique, and patented inhibitor package used in all automobiles worldwide, regardless of year, make, model, or original antifreeze color. Peak Global Extended Life® meets the Chrysler® and Ford® specifications and requirements. It is also compatible with Dex-Cool® and satisfies the requirements of GM 6277M (Dex-Cool®). Peak Global Extended Life® is also compatible with the European and Asian manufacturers.
If your cooling system is relatively clean, we suggest that you consider changing to Peak Global Extended Life Antifreeze®. If your system is on the contaminated side, we suggest that you use the standard Ethylene Glycol with an additive called Cool-Tec 2® which we use in our Ethylene Glycol coolant exchange services at no additional cost. Peak Global Extended Life® is good for five years or 150,000 miles. Peak Global Extended Life® is moderately more expensive than Ethylene Glycol and less than Dex-Cool®
08-24-2016, 06:27 PM
#14
Team Owner
08-24-2016, 07:01 PM
#15
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A good computer was $1200 and would be obsolete by the time you figured out how to use the dot matrix printer. Dial up was slow. I would rather drive my 200hp Mustang LX.
08-24-2016, 08:29 PM
#16
Dex-Cool® uses organic acid technology as a corrosion inhibitor. Dex-Cool® should be used on vehicles that had it installed from new at the factory. It should not be used as a replacement for Ethylene Glycol. One of the problems associated with Dex-Cool® happens when air or oxygen enters the cooling system. When this happens, the air reacts with chemicals to create a heavy brown sludge
Makes sense. I got a low mileage car but with everything original (including tires). The coolant was the first thing I went after and although it flowed well, it was mud colored. BG flushed for like an hour. Dex was all the shop was having, nothing else was under discussion. I did not argue....
Makes sense. I got a low mileage car but with everything original (including tires). The coolant was the first thing I went after and although it flowed well, it was mud colored. BG flushed for like an hour. Dex was all the shop was having, nothing else was under discussion. I did not argue....
08-24-2016, 09:39 PM
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dex and distilled water is what I would use... it gets a bad rap due to people that neglect their cars, yeah if you never change it out it's going to look like baby sh*t but if you're starting off with it in a brand new motor and you drain and refill it on a regular basis then you should have no issues whatsoever
08-26-2016, 10:54 AM
#20
