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Old Jan 1, 2011 | 11:51 PM
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Default Anti-freeze question

I used the search mode to answer my question, but it did not fully answer my question. So, my question is, I bought my 2000 Vette last October with 27000 miles on it and I don't have any history on it. The Anti-freeze looks dark, However, I don't know if the fluild had ever been change, it had the original air filter which I changed when I did the oil change. Should I stay with the original anti-freeze fluid? Which I understand If yoy don't flush it out well it can create problems. Additionally, I have been told it can eat the rubber up, I question that. Or should I go ahead and use Preston 50/50 or simular product. And how much flushing is required? If someone had a Peak or simular product in it, can I add the GM Anti-freeze without problems? Thanks in advance.
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Old Jan 2, 2011 | 12:01 AM
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Default yes ! !

Dex Cool coolant (which was in your car when it left the factory) is bright orange. You need to change your coolant if it isn't bright orange because that means it's either very old or someone put in something else. Dex Cool is made under license by many national vendors and should be available in most parts store. Mix it 50:50 with distilled water.
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Old Jan 2, 2011 | 12:03 AM
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Use only Dexcool.
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Old Jan 2, 2011 | 12:47 AM
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Originally Posted by CaliforniaJack
Dex Cool coolant (which was in your car when it left the factory) is bright orange. You need to change your coolant if it isn't bright orange because that means it's either very old or someone put in something else. Dex Cool is made under license by many national vendors and should be available in most parts store. Mix it 50:50 with distilled water.
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Old Jan 2, 2011 | 12:57 AM
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Dex will not harm your engine. Been using it in all of my cars since I bought my 97 Vette in 97. Several of my cars have gone the 5 year duration spec'd in the owner's manual. One car went through 5 year changes. No cooling system issues due to using the coolant.

Bill
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Old Jan 2, 2011 | 01:07 AM
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DexCool
135K (s)miles on my "01 changed out the Dexcool at 100K
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Old Jan 2, 2011 | 10:50 AM
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If it is a muddy, reddish/brown color, you need to flush the system (until drain water is clear) BEFORE refilling with Dexcool.

To flush add water and run until temp reaches about 200 F. Then drain.

Last edited by Oldvetter; Jan 2, 2011 at 10:55 AM.
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Old Jan 2, 2011 | 11:54 AM
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you are suppose replace dex cool coolant orange one every 5 years i as a certified tech i would not recommend a flush because some of they machines they do flushes with are so powerful the sometimes damage waterpumps and gaskets i recommend to take off top hose and bottom hose and flush out with water after you put in a radiator cleaner aditive. and remember you might want to replace your thermostat and your radiator cap as well.
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Old Jan 2, 2011 | 12:44 PM
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Originally Posted by joe Villarreal
you are suppose replace dex cool coolant orange one every 5 years i as a certified tech i would not recommend a flush because some of they machines they do flushes with are so powerful the sometimes damage waterpumps and gaskets i recommend to take off top hose and bottom hose and flush out with water after you put in a radiator cleaner aditive. and remember you might want to replace your thermostat and your radiator cap as well.
Where can I buy a radiator cap for a C5?
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Old Jan 2, 2011 | 01:09 PM
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Originally Posted by lucky131969
Where can I buy a radiator cap for a C5?
Well, duuuh!! They're right next to the dashpots at any AP store.
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Old Jan 2, 2011 | 02:01 PM
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Originally Posted by LoneStarFRC
Well, duuuh!! They're right next to the dashpots at any AP store.
Ha.....I didn't even look there.
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Old Jan 2, 2011 | 03:24 PM
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Any one use Delo ELC ? We stopped using the dex-cool in our shop and replaced it with Delo ELC. Delo ELC has no silicates. That's what is in my 01 ls6 now. It's the "red" stuff. We still use the Delo supreme (green) in some engines if they reqire it.
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Old Jan 2, 2011 | 03:39 PM
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Originally Posted by hydrasport
Delo ELC has no silicates.
....and Dexcool does?
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Old Jan 2, 2011 | 04:35 PM
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Originally Posted by hydrasport
Any one use Delo ELC ? We stopped using the dex-cool in our shop and replaced it with Delo ELC. Delo ELC has no silicates. That's what is in my 01 ls6 now. It's the "red" stuff. We still use the Delo supreme (green) in some engines if they reqire it.
Wasn't familiar with it. Looked at Chevron/Texaco's website. Seems as if it is Chev/Tex's product designed to compete with Dex-Cool. Maybe they are offering a longer service life or maybe better pricing than Dex-Cool. Texaco is part of Chevron now.

Dex-Cool is btw, also silicate-free.
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Old Jan 2, 2011 | 04:37 PM
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Originally Posted by Lemi
I used the search mode to answer my question, but it did not fully answer my question. So, my question is, I bought my 2000 Vette last October with 27000 miles on it and I don't have any history on it. The Anti-freeze looks dark, However, I don't know if the fluild had ever been change, it had the original air filter which I changed when I did the oil change. Should I stay with the original anti-freeze fluid? Which I understand If yoy don't flush it out well it can create problems. Additionally, I have been told it can eat the rubber up, I question that. Or should I go ahead and use Preston 50/50 or simular product. And how much flushing is required? If someone had a Peak or simular product in it, can I add the GM Anti-freeze without problems? Thanks in advance.
If you have no history on the car I would change all the fluids, motor oil,tranny fluid and diff fluid. At least have them all checked... You have an 11 year old car,, things leak, especially on low mileage, non driven older cars..
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Old Jan 2, 2011 | 04:51 PM
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Originally Posted by hydrasport
Any one use Delo ELC ? We stopped using the dex-cool in our shop and replaced it with Delo ELC. Delo ELC has no silicates. That's what is in my 01 ls6 now. It's the "red" stuff. We still use the Delo supreme (green) in some engines if they reqire it.
I thought Delo ELC was mainly a heavy duty antifreeze for Diesel engines? It is good for 8 years and 750,000 miles ! Not many people put 750,000 miles on their cars in 8 years !
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Old Jan 2, 2011 | 05:23 PM
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any GM dealer will have the radiator cap or any auto parts store just be sure to get the same pressure pound rating
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Old Jan 2, 2011 | 05:32 PM
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Originally Posted by joe Villarreal
any GM dealer will have the radiator cap or any auto parts store just be sure to get the same pressure pound rating
Paging LUCKY! LUCKY to the white courtesy phone!

[this ought to be good]
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Old Jan 2, 2011 | 06:07 PM
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And don't use tap water. Distilled water only. Maybe a buck a gallon at Kroger.

Charlie
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Old Jan 2, 2011 | 06:28 PM
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Originally Posted by joe Villarreal
any GM dealer will have the radiator cap or any auto parts store just be sure to get the same pressure pound rating
Original C5 radiator caps were 15 psi, now only 18 psi caps are sold. It will NOT affect anything.
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