Radiator Flush due

rjirvine · July 12, 2005

My 2000 Silverado with the 5.3 liter engine is coming up on it's 5 yr/100000 mile coolant change. I'm thinking of taking it to the dealer and staying with dex-cool. I've read a lot of websites that absolutely HATE dexcool, but it seems to be related to the 4.8l engine intake manifold or a crappy coolant tank cap that allows air in the system. I gather dexcool is very intolerant of air in the system. (they say ac-delco caps suck).

Does anyone suggest going to the green regular fluid? Should I replace my radiator cap just to be on the safe side? If so, with what kind?

az'03Silverado · July 12, 2005

Stay with what the 'owner's manual' says to use. There's nothing wrong with Dex-cool. Just don't mix red and green!!! Red+Green=Sludge! Trust me. At 100,000 miles you should replace the pressure cap, anyway. Along with the hoses and thermostat. Don't go green. Green is so yesterday.

citydriver · July 13, 2005

I just did my wifes '00 Grand Am this past weekend, 5 years old next week, but only has 30,000 miles on it. I did a complete drain and refill and used the pre-mix DEX-COOL....Its not the air that ruins the coolant its, its the chemicals in the tap water that you use when you mix it to the 50/50 ratio. That's why they suggest that you use DISTILLED water when you re-fill the system....EVEN if you use the GREEN stuff. They also have the new GREEN MIX WITH ANY COLOR coolant, but I stuck with the DEX.

CapitalTruck · July 13, 2005

Stick with the Dex-Cool. I am convinced that a lot of the people that are having problems with this coolant have most likely taken their car in for service at some P.O.S. joint that doesn't have a clue. They see coolant on the resevoir and they reach for their bulk coolant hose. THIS is what completely destroys what I believe to be a good system. If there was a problem as big as what some of these websites suggest you would hear about it in other places besides the internet. Go with OEM Dex-Cool coolant (either GM or ACDelco) and OEM cap. If its done you well this far you might as well keep a good thing going.

MS3DALE · July 13, 2005

I'd stick with the DEX-COOL,And change the cap,hoses and thermostat also!

asilverblazer · July 13, 2005

130K on my DEX-Cool, no problems. Stick wit it, GM chose it for a reason.

Bish · July 13, 2005

130K on my DEX-Cool, no problems. Stick wit it, GM chose it for a reason.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Ditto here. 148K all Dex-Cool (2 flushes) and I'm still on my original water pump!

Raymond Lowe · July 15, 2005

Use Dexcool and the GM sealing tabs. The factory shop manual mentions it many times through the various coolant related procedures in special print meant to catch your attention. Your supposed to add 2 after changing the coolant or a water pump.

GnatGoSplat · July 15, 2005

Actually, the GM sealing tabs is what causes the sludgey appearance that makes some people think Dex-cool is bad.

I believe there is a TSB about it.

Raymond Lowe · July 17, 2005

Actually, the GM sealing tabs is what causes the sludgey appearance that makes some people think Dex-cool is bad.

I believe there is a TSB about it.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That might be an interesting read cause all I can find on the internet is opinions. Check out this quote from http://www.autoforumz.com/GM-Dexcool-leak-ftopict58702.html

Again, if you are worried, just go to
a dealership and grab a card of GM sealing tabs. You get

6 big pellets which is more then enough for one application.

I'd only use two. With all due respect to the other posters

on this newsgroup....do not listen to people that say this

product will ruin your engine, or it will clog up your heater

core..etc. It has been installed from the factory for years,

is still being installed from the factory, and as we speak,

is being added to your type of engine in the latest recall

for the 2000 and up 3800 engines. GM would not be

using this stuff if it did all the nasty things that people say

it does.

It was never intended to repair a leak that is

already in the later stages. It was intended to stop

minor seepage that "might" happen with newer engines.

In other words, it's a really poor idea to attempt to

repair a leak with this product, but a good product to

use once everything is in good working order. So in

your case, you might be taking a chance.

Ian

GnatGoSplat · July 17, 2005

That might be an interesting read cause all I can find on the internet is opinions. Check out this quote from http://www.autoforumz.com/GM-Dexcool-leak-ftopict58702.html

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

This is from GM TSB titled "DEX-COOL Engine Coolant Information #00-06-02-006 - (08/10/2000)"

Sealing Tablets
Sealing tablets are not used at the assembly plant for most models. Sealing tablets are generally not necessary and should not be used as a regular maintenance item after servicing an engine cooling system. The use of sealing tablets can, in some cases, produce contamination of the cooling system and/or severe discoloration of coolant.

Pancho · July 17, 2005

OK, I changed the fluids in both my 02 2500HD and 99 1500 recently. Flushed both using the Prestone back flush kit and replaced with Dexcool. I have noticed the 99 1500 every once in awhile (like today my son and I drove a couple of hours to put up deer stands and camera's) when I return from an extended drive it leaves a few drops of fluid on the garage floor. Everything checks out, coolant level, hoses, etc. and now after reading this post I again wonder if I should have used these sealant tabs????

MS3DALE · July 18, 2005

I wouldn't use the sealing tabs at all but thats just my opinion

MrQuadrasteer · July 18, 2005

Use DISTALLED water ONLY !!!!!!!!!

My 96 Blazer had major issues with it's dex-crap. Looked like mud in the cooling system, so bad, in fact, when I'd pull the rad cap, I'd have to DIG the brown crap out of the neck with a screwdriver.

Did the flush thing, but it kept coming back.

Guess it didn't like my hose water !!!!

Distalled only for me from now on.....