Dex-Cool & Silicone Hoses Compatible?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 2,263
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From: NJ
Dex-Cool & Silicone Hoses Compatible?
I replaced my OEM coolant hoses with silicone hoses. But I just read in Motor Magazine that Dex-Cool contains the organic acid 2-ethylhexanoate (2-EHA), which is a plasticizer (softening effect) & harmful to gaskets & other sealing materials containing silicone, & affects silicone hoses as well. Now I'm wondering if I should either change over to a non-Dex-Cool coolant...or go back to standard hoses.
Anyone have any issues with the Dex/Silicone combo?
Anyone have any issues with the Dex/Silicone combo?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: BEST Corn-Nation
2015 C5 of the Year Winner
I've had all silicone hoses on mine for a few years now and haven't noticed anything out of the ordinary. Had the coolant changes last year and they never mentioned anything was deteriorating. Maybe I should rethink this too and change one or the other too. See if someone else has any insight to this that knows more than I do.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,704
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From: Redondo Beach CA
I hope you get answer from long term users,if this is indeed a concern in use, I would think it would be better known.
Failing any comforting answers, If it were my car, I would throw a sample in a container of anti freeze and wait. If nothing happens, I might boil it for a while, then check for condition. Seems easier than changing all the hoses.
Thanks for finding this information, I would have thought those types of hoses would be inert.
Failing any comforting answers, If it were my car, I would throw a sample in a container of anti freeze and wait. If nothing happens, I might boil it for a while, then check for condition. Seems easier than changing all the hoses.
Thanks for finding this information, I would have thought those types of hoses would be inert.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,375
Likes: 1,593
From: Western NY
I do know that GM was installing silicone hoses in the '90s Caprices that had the HD Police package, because the hoses supposedly had a longer service life. I don't know for sure, what coolant was OE in those cars, however.
FWIW, I've had the silicone hoses on my car for about 3 years....
FWIW, I've had the silicone hoses on my car for about 3 years....
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 2,263
Likes: 48
From: NJ
I do know that GM was installing silicone hoses in the '90s Caprices that had the HD Police package, because the hoses supposedly had a longer service life. I don't know for sure, what coolant was OE in those cars, however.
FWIW, I've had the silicone hoses on my car for about 3 years....
FWIW, I've had the silicone hoses on my car for about 3 years....
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 2,263
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From: NJ
I contacted the manufacturer of my silicone hoses (Samco), & here is the response I received...
"Thank you for your enquiry regarding our Samco silicone hoses, we have done extensive testing against a wide range of OAT type coolants and are pleased to be able to report that they have no more effect on our hoses than the conventional coolants tested at the same time. As I sure you can understand we have not tested every brand of coolant on the market and unfortunately Dex-cool was not one of the coolants tested so we cannot categorically state that our hoses will be OK with this coolant however based on the results of the testing we have conducted we do not anticipate any problems.
Sorry not to be able to give a more definitive answer."
"Thank you for your enquiry regarding our Samco silicone hoses, we have done extensive testing against a wide range of OAT type coolants and are pleased to be able to report that they have no more effect on our hoses than the conventional coolants tested at the same time. As I sure you can understand we have not tested every brand of coolant on the market and unfortunately Dex-cool was not one of the coolants tested so we cannot categorically state that our hoses will be OK with this coolant however based on the results of the testing we have conducted we do not anticipate any problems.
Sorry not to be able to give a more definitive answer."
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Manassas Park VA
St. Jude Donor '07-'08,-'13-'14, '16-'17
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Loveland CO
I dont think it will be any problem. Many imports run silicone hoses without issues and they all have their own versions of Long life coolant (like Dex), Toyota, Subaru, Nissan.. Im sure some of the GM guys run it in their cars like Cobalt's or Sonic's or something.. I would not hesitate to run them on my cars with Dex.
S
S
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 36,838
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From: Manassas Park VA
St. Jude Donor '07-'08,-'13-'14, '16-'17
The answer was this:
They primarily make hoses for the busing, trucking and long haul
applications. The chemicals used in those applications are in much
higher and more concentrated amounts than what is found in retail
fluid, including Dexcol. In those applications, they see no ill effects,
and in fact see longer life in their hoses than traditional rubber.
It is true that one of the chemicals in Dexcol is corrosive to Silicone.
For this chemical to effect the hose, it would have to be used in a
concentration close to 100%.
The small amount found in retail and commercial antifreeze is
insignificant and poses no threat to the integrity of the hose
Hope this helps
Regards
Chip