Was in the auto parts store and saw Universal Antifreeze. The label said it will work for all cars. Has anyone tried this as a replacement for DexCool?

 

no, and I don't want to be the first, either!

call me crazy but even if it was a dollar, I probably wouldn't use it. I've used some "universal" fluids before in cars. sometimes it's ok, and sometimes the results are horrible.

 

Absolutely no way would I experiment with different brands of anti-freeze. The reason is the aluminum motors in these cars. The very last thing you want to get caught in is unbalancing the ph of the anti freeze and potentially set up a galvanic corrosion process. Not many of us run around with ph strips to make sure the coolant is neutral, so I would stay with DexCool. Another alternative might be a product from Mercedes Benz as theirs too was ph neutral - but double check that with the dealer as its been awhile since I bought some from MB.

 

Same here... I'm not willing to try it in my car

 

Actuall, DexCool has caused more problems with cooling systems than any other type antifreeze on the market. You'd probably be less likely to have problem with a "Universal" type than you would DexCool. GM has about 10 different lawsuits against it already for problems blamed on DexCool. The 2EH inhibitor DexCool uses acts has plasticizing affects on certain seal and plastic components it comes in contact with. It also forms sludge and sediment if allowed to be run low. Its very important if you use DexCool to never let the coolant level get even a little low.

http://www.imcool.com/articles/antif...l2007Part1.php

 

I think the issue for our mistrust of this universal coolant is more one of mixing with Dexcool. We know we cannot mix green with orange ever otherwise sludge will be the result, therefore our concerns.

 

From the test reports I've read, you actually can mix DexCool with other brands, but it dilutes some of the corrosion inhibitors, so you have to change it sooner. But they claim it doesn't cause sludge if you mix it.

Though I agree with you and I'd rather not see it mixed. I think it would be better to flush it completely if you are going to change it, just to be on the safe side.

 

Those issues do not apply to Corvettes. Materials affected by Dexcool used in those vehicles subject to the suit are not used in Corvettes. Personally I would only put in what the GM specs show. You start playing your own chemist and you cannot predict the outcomes, not to mention GM will not cover the results of your experiments.

 

Fred, When can I expect my 2006 LS2 cooling system to self destruct because of "Dexcool" engine coolant?

 

When Dex Cool came out it was soon nicknamed Death Cool. There was so much negative press revolving around it, some people wanted it out of their cars ASAP. It made DBS for C6 Corvettes look like nothing.

 

This! The saw "penny wise and pound foolish" come to mind

 

And yet GM still warrants the part for 5 years/100K miles. Whoda thunk

 

So - if we distrust dexcool, what do we want to replace it ?

 

no issues at all, if anything your dexcrap will be better.

 

The truth is that you can use just about any antifreeze you want in this car that is designed to be used in an aluminum cooling system, which covers almost all antifreeze formulations today (though read the label to be sure).

There is nothing "magical" about DexCool, and using another type or brand is not going to make your call melt into a blob of goo in your garage. DexCool is really the only brand/type antifreeze that has been associated with problems, and many car manufactures (like Toyota) will actually void your warranty if you put DexCool in them. This is due to the acid technology that DexCool uses not being compatible with some seal types. This is why all other antifreeze companies don't use the 2EH acid in their formulations. So if there really is any one type to be afraid of more than others, it's DexCool. Though the seals in the Corvette are designed to withstand it, but even so, I still don't like the stuff. Notice the warnings in your service manual that tell you not to spill it on the paint or on any of the composite panels of the car. Ask yourself why that warning is in there. Its because the acid makeup of the DexCool additives and how it affect various materials it comes in contact with.

DexCool and other "Extended Life" or "Long Life" (OAT/HOAT) antifreeze formulations were invented to try to lengthen the amount of time between antifreeze changes. They really aren't any better in terms of corrosion control, cooling, or freeze protection, they just use additive packages (organic acid) that are "supposed" to last longer. Furthermore, many of the problems that have occurred with DexCool have been attributed to it being left in the car for so long, and that it got ignored and allowed to run low, which made things worse. The same holds true for any extended life antifreeze. The manufactures claims that their antifreeze formulations last 100K miles has exacerbated these type of problems.

Personally, I think its a mistake to leave any antifreeze in a vehicle for 5 years or 100K miles, even if the label says you can. The PH of the water will go sour (acidic) long before that time, and I believe you really need to change it out every couple of years, regardless of what type/brand you use. Changing out the fluid is the single best way to prevent problems with your cooling system. You get fresh water and antifreeze in the car and remove sediments and the acid build up when you drain it.

Changing it out and getting fresh fluid in it, is IN MY OPINION, far more important than what type you use, and will go a long way toward helping prevent build up in your cooling system. Just be sure to use distilled water to mix it with and mix it in the proper 50/50 formulation. I like to drain and replace mine, drive the car a few days, and then drain and refill it a second time. This helps insure I get all the old stuff out, but doesn't require me to drain the block.

 

Fred, You have not answered my question. The above is laced with opinions with no data to back up how long Dexcool lasts in an engine. Also, why Dexcool corosion protection last longer than silicated (green ) coolant. Bill S.

 

Your question was not serious, so I didn't respond to it. I don't believe I ever said your car would "self destruct".

Its your car, do what you want with it. If you think its fine to leave the OEM coolant for the life of the vehicle, then go for it.

I stated my points, and I'm done. I'm not here to argue pointlessly, and I refuse to do so.

 

That is fine Fred. You keep beating a dead horse with obsolete information. Please stay out of this subject in the future.

 

Please gentlemen...we all have our own opinions and we're entitled to them. Its up to the OP whom he choses to listen too. We state our case and leave it be.

 

Thanks for all the replies. The replies got me thinking.
I had a water pump changed last week on my 04 Pontiac, and decided to call the shop that did the work on the car (speciality is AC/radiator) and asked him about it. Well it turns out that he only uses Universal Antifreeze. I told him I was concerned that Dexcool wasn't used. He assured me he has never had an issue since he started using it several years ago. Of course he mentioned all the bad facts of dexcool. He has used on all makes with no issues. His shop is always busy. The stuff has a yellow tint, and can be mixed with Dexcool. I looked at Prestones site and their site said the same. Still not 100% on it. I plan on selling this car within a year, so that will be my test. I will use dexcool for the vette.