dexcool

[bigtruck21]

Check out the links

http://www.wbns10tv.com/consumer10/consumerhome.php

http://www.wbns10tv.com/consumer10/reports...hp?story=052103

 

they were posted by another guy at a different forum

[lrymal]

I have always been amazed why no one likes this stuff. But then, I have never allowed air to mix with it (coolant getting too low in the tank), never used tap water but distilled, and used the recommended water:coolant ratio.

 

We have two vehicles in addition to the Z71 below, one with about 85,000 miles, and the other with about 120,000 and neither have any reported clumping of the coolant, or contributed to any corrosion of the motor gaskets.

[Bish]

I agree, I think it's the air that causes the problems. I've got 100k on my Tahoe and I flushed the Dexcool at 75K and it looked pretty much new coming out. Better safe than sorry on changing early.

 

I think all antifreeze will act up if left alone for a long time. I had a friend with a Dakota that didn't do anythink to the cooling system for a few years and 60K. Stuff was brown syrup when he wondered why his engine was overheating.

 

I do think that the late 90's V6's has issues with air in the cooling system and I think this is why it is gelling. I'm keeping the deathcool but will check regularly just like every other maintenance type thing I look at.

[seadoons]

Mine is an '02 z71 with almost 40k and every fluid in it has been changed at the proper interval with the exception of the coolant. The power steering fluid was even changed because I had a new power steering gear box installed under warranty. What is the recommendation on the coolant? I have heard 100k miles, which is what i'll probably do. I've driven 40k in a year and 4 months, so when the 100k mark comes, the coolant won't be old in terms of age, just old in terms of use. Just wondering...

[GnatGoSplat]

I don't think most people realize that the sludge they found in the cooling system with Dex-cool is caused by the sealing pellets that GM added to the cooling system. There are TSB's about this.

I have used Dex-cool with no sealers, pellets, etc. for years in 3 vehicles and never had a problem with gelling or discoloration.

[Redapple]

Dexcool going on 4 years in mine no worries mate.

 

 

Bill

[lrymal]

...What is the recommendation on the coolant? I have heard 100k miles, which is what i'll probably do.

Abiding by the "rules" in the previous messages, I'd just go with 100k and be done with it. My manual sez 150k and we do have our old farm truck at 120k and it is happy. Actually, if we changed out anything in that old truck, it would probably fall apart. Rust in the panels are what holds it together, but the motor is running just fine, never oveheats. Likes its golden DexKewl.

[Black02Silverado]

I'm going to have to check the wife's Venture when I get home. Seems to me I remember looking at the holding tank and it wasn't that nice color orange like in my truck. Not to mention I have to keep an eye on it since intake gasket leaks are a common thing with the ventures from what I have been told. Want to get it while it is under warranty still.

[MCourson]

We had Dexcool in our old '99 Tahoe that had 82k miles on it when we traded it for our '02 Tahoe which still has Dexcool in it. We still have Dexcool in the '01 GMC. My dad even runs Dexcool in his '57 Chevy. All vehicles are kept properly maintained and we have never had a coolant or cooling system related problem in any of these vehicles.

[Bish]

If you are going the full 100K before a change (which I do not recommend), keep an eye on the pH of the coolant. When it turns acidic, it starts causing problems. I changed mine at about 75K (2 years driving) just to be safe. Once it turns acidic or the additives break down, that's when the damage starts. Also DO NOT put any leak-stop in with Dexcool.

[ClipperSkipper]

Here's what: We have never replaced a water pump on a vehicle originally equipped with, and never strayed from Dexcool.

 

Have a great one!

[ClipperSkipper]

Okay after viewing the tape, I see the concern. News Center 5's Susan Warnick (Boston) covered this issue two months ago. Long story short what was found were external corrosion problems and mixing of ethylene and proplene glycol. Ever see a Northstar with a leaking head gasket?

 

Have a great one!