GM Dex Cool Anti-Freeze

[Ricker500]

I have been reading a lot of negative things about Dex Cool. In the manual it tells you to only use the Dex Cool anti-freeze in your car. What I would like to know is. Could I drain the Dex Cool out and flush the system and just go to a good quality anti freeze? Or is this not recommended. Would appreciate some advice.

[Videoman]

I sure did...

About 1 year after getting my Red 02 GT, I spent about an hour flushing all the Dex cool I could out of the system. With a drainpan and a garden hose I was able to clean it out so well, yu could drink out of it. Afterwards I used Prestone (Yellow) long life antifreeze.

Even my new 05 SE, I have already flushed the system. I noticed alot of chunks coming out as I did. Its almost like a plaque of a sort. This is what can clog up and cause your cooling system to fail. Also it has been proven that unless the coolant is perfectly balanced water/coolant, it can lead to gasket failure.

I would clean out the Dex cool asap. Just be sure to FLUSH everything. (Engine block,radiator,overflow res.,heater core)

GL

[Ricker500]

Hi Rob; Thanks for the info. What mix should I use 50/50 or 60/40.

[jeremy96gase]

Always 50/50.
Make sure to check the label when you buy the antifreeze. Sometimes it's premixed 50/50, sometimes not.

Dex Cool is no good, especially on 3100 and 3400 engines. It eats the Lower intake manifold gasket.

[Stitch]

it's not good on the 3800's either. I flushed mine when I saw the overflow tank had orange mud in it.

[Stitch]

Not my car but this is what dex can look like.
Truth about Dex Cool (orange coolant)

[Ricker500]

Thanks for the help guys. I'm calling the shop in the morning to have it flushed. Thanks again

[curtpank]

you guys are nuts! lol

Do consider this, though: if you are still on warranty I've heard of places not covering damage if you change to something else. So if you're on warranty (or extended) check that out first.

[1HOT SE]

My antifreeze is only good for -18. I should get a rad flush. where can i get it done for cheep. How much duz it cost.

[Videoman]

Originally Posted by 1HOT SE

My antifreeze is only good for -18. I should get a rad flush. where can i get it done for cheep. How much duz it cost.

If you have a warm garage, you can do it yourself for about 15$. A Fluid Change is pretty easy Just buy some Prestone Long life antifreeze (yellow). Do a complete drain from your radiator (lower right drain plug)Into a bucket or catchpan. Close the plug. Fill your system with water and run your car for about 10 minutes (IMPORTANT! with the garage door open :-p ). Then do another complete drain. Mix up a 60/40 Mix (60% antifreeze/40% water). The reason I use more antifreeze is so that it can withstand cooler temperatures. I have a tool to measure the freezing point, but find a 60/40 mixture is close enough to withstand -38'C temps.

Once the system is completely drained you can close off the plug, make sure its clicked shut. Now fill the resevoir with the new mixture and give it some time to settle. On the top left corner of the engine you will see a brass screw plug. This has to be loosened to help bleed the air out of the system.

Open the garage door again and start the car up. Loosen the plug and keep the resevoir filled to about 3/4. With the engine running you will see some fluid and bubbles spitting from the bleeder plug. Keep everything going until you no longer see any bubbles coming from the bleeder plug and only a steady and continueous flow of fluid. Then tighten the plug and be sure the resevoire is filled up to about 3/4 full.

You are done. Take the car out for a drive and keep your eyes on the temperature, to be sure that there is no more air in the system. Once you get back, check the fluid level again and top up as needed.

Hope this helps.


PS: If you don't wanna do it yourself any oil change place does an antifreeze change for about 60$.

[Stitch]

was a great canadian oil change today and their prices for rad flush starts at $79.99 and their transmission flush starts at $99.99.