'04 Buick Rendezvous Cooling System Flush ?'s

[radtech91]

I'm going to be doing a Coolant Flush on an '04 Buick Rendezvous. I already posted before and got a great way to do the flush but I have some more questions.

I was told to change the thermostat at the same time. To do this I found these and wasn't sure what I exactly needed.
1) http://www.parts.com/oemcatalog/index.cfm?action=getPartLocator&siteid=2&chapter=DR1AF02&sectionids=8,0&groupid=61868&makeid=4&model=Rendezvous&year=2004&catalogid=1&displayCatalogid=0
2) http://www.parts.com/oemcatalog/index.cfm?action=getPartLocator&siteid=2&chapter=DR1AF02&sectionids=8,0&groupid=61870&makeid=4&model=Rendezvous&year=2004&catalogid=1&displayCatalogid=0

Now do I just need the first one or do I need the housing too?

Is this a good way of doing the change; http://www.2carpros.com/forum/2004-buick-rendezvous-how-to-change-the-thermostat-vt240738.html ?
Does anyone have any other ideas or is this the best way?

Do I NEED to do this???

Also I have been looking up prices on the Dex-cool. I really would like to stick with the factory stuff, but I haven't been able to stop at a GM Service Station yet to check on prices, but I'm guessing it is high. I was told to check out Halvoline at Napa but none of my local Napa's carry it. I was at Walmart today and they have 2 kinds of Prestone, one in concetrate and one in 50/50. Is there a big difference in the Prestone, Halvoline, and the factory Dex-cool? is it better to just stick to the factory Dex-cool?

Sorry I have so many questions but any suggestions on this would help me out a ton. Thanks!

 

[EricF]

There's nothing wrong with Dexcool, as long as it's not left in for the 100k or 6yrs...
I'm going to stick with it in my Relay van, had a flush done at 40k, 3yrs old.

 

[radtech91]

Yeah that's why I'M wanting to do the change. It has never been changed so that would be 6 years this year and almost 70,000 miles, so I want to get this changed soon.

 

[mechanicx]

You just need the thermostat so 1). You could use a superstant from a local parts store. They are good thermostats. The thermostat is hard to get to on that engine. You don't have to take the exhaust crossover pipe off but it would probably end up being easier if you did. It's your call if you want to change the t-stat. It is a good idea but if it is working it might be OK till next time you change coolant.

You have an '04 so the IMG was updated. You might as well stay with Dexcool. The only problem is I think your vehicle doesn't have a pressurized reservoir. Any of those dexcool/dexclones are OK but I think Prestone's version tends to sludge easier, so if you can't find Havoline, or don't use the dealer version, then just go with Zerex Dexcool.

It's very hard to get all the old coolant out of that engine beecause I don't think you will be able to get to the rear block drain. Maybe you could unhook the heater return line, maybe where there is a rubber hose elbo at the water pump and flush water while running ewngine, or install a T-flush, or 3-4 radiator fill and drains.

 

[radtech91]

Has anyone had this done at their GM Dealer or any where else? I was just wondering how much it costs just to have someone else do the flush and thermostat replacement. Any response would be great.

 

[mechanicx]

It would depended on the dealer. I think must of them would use a coolant exchanger and charge around $100. But the T-stat is so bad that it can call for 1.5-2 hours labor. So you might be looking at another $100. I wouldn't be surprised if you'd be closing in on $300 by the time they got done with it.

Maybe the T-stat is fine and you could shop around for a price on a coolant exchanger with your coolant, or maybe their dexclone. You should be able to find a place that will do it for under $90.

You could always do the radiator drain and refill series yourself.

 

[radtech91]

I just called the dealer and they will do the coolant change for $90 and the thermostat change for $100. So for $190 that ain't too bad, so I'm just gonna go with that. Thanks for all the help from everyone though.

 

[radtech91]

Had the dealer do the change. Good thing we did. It was greatly needed. They said the thermostat was all gummed up and clogged and the coolant greatly needed changed. They also said they were surprised any fuel was even getting through the fuel filter.

After getting the coolant flushed, new thermostat, and a new fuel filter, she is running really good now.

 

[mechanicx]

Well it sounds like you got the maintance squared away with the right parts and fluid.