04 Isuzu Genuine Coolant

[-SyN-]

Pardon my ignorance but I'm a bit confused... Our 04 Axiom came new with green coolant when new. I just assumed it was like all the other green coolants, so I could replace with prestone green... at the start of this summer... After reading the manual it says... Isuzu genuine coolant or equivalent--then it says-->Equivalent----> Goodwrench Dexcool or Havoline ELC... which is Dex-cool... So? I assume I need to drain the Prestone and add back Dex-cool... Am I correct?


I might have just answered my own question... don't go by the color of the coolant... duh!

 

[mongo161]

You might want to call the dealer to make sure that your vehicle came with the "Genuine Isuzu" coolant. I don't think that Dex-cool comes in the green color. Best to check with the dealer and find out what type you have in your vehicle. Let us know what type of coolant you have in there, when you follow up with the service department?

 

[-SyN-]

Here is what the manual says----->

Use a 50/50 ethylene glycol based Long Life Coolant/distilled water mixture.
Use a low silicate or no silicate coolant.
Methyl alcohol based coolant is not recommended.

 

[-SyN-]

Found this in another thread... Seems I should have went with the Dex-cool...

Quote--->Dexcool is an OAT that uses more effective OATS and is nitrite, borate and silicate free.

I hate being ignorant on simple things.

 

[mechanicx]

I think the Prestone you used is a formula similar to Dexcool and should be fine. It's not the original silicated green.

 

[mongo161]

Here is an interesting read on the Types of Anti-Freeze coolants and what is compatible with today's engines.

http://sancarlosradiator.com/antifreeze_coolant.htm

Tomorrow, it might be a good idea to speak with someone in the service department of the Isuzu dealership to determine what coolant your vehicle came with and what "type" of coolant you should top it off with.

Please let us know how you make out with the service department.

 

[onion]

I don't know anything specific about Isuzu's requirements. But IF in fact they specify Dexcool as an equivalent to Isuzu's coolant, then you should be just fine running Prestone all-makes (if that's what you put in). It's essentially the same thing as Dexcool, but in a different color. Both are ethylene glycol based, both use 2-ethylhexanoic acid as a corrosion inhibitor.

Dexcool and the like would not be MY first choice of coolants- but if that's what Isuzu specifies, then it should work ok. Just keep it fresh (drain and fill every two or three years), address ANY leaks immediately- no matter how minor... and never ever EVER run the vehicle for any length of time with the coolant level low. All this is common sense of course. Dexcool can work spectacularly well in a well-maintained vehicle- some of the cleanest high-mileage cooling systems I've ever seen have been Dexcool systems. But if conditions turn even slightly adverse (overheat, air in coolant, mixing in a different coolant, etc.), Dexcool can turn REALLY nasty.

 

[-SyN-]

Thanks fellas: I will make an effort to contact the dealer, and see what type of B.S they try to fill me with... Thanks Onion for going into some detail...

 

[Ursae_Majoris]

My 02 Axi uses regular North American green, not Dexcool. I had verified it with my dealer. I use NAPA's low silicate variety.

Do you have a pressurized overflow reservoir (with a crew down cap)? Mine does not, so it is another indication that Dexcool should not be used in it. I need to stop by my dealer to pick up some parts, so I can triple check it for you

Dealer did three coolant flushes for me in 04, 06 and 08. Radiator is sparkling clean inside. I did a radiator drain/refill last summer and will do another next week (replaces about 50% of coolant) with NAPA's green. I have an Axiom FSM, but I still could not find block drains.

BTW, my Owners' Manual calls for coolant change every 30K miles, so it is another vote against Dexcool in an 02 Axiom.

 

[Ursae_Majoris]

I did a quick search on www.myisuzuparts.com and 02 and 04 have the same NON-pressurized surge tank, part# 8-97178-230-0. I would never use Dexcool or Prestone All Makes/All Models coolant in the system like that.

http://www.myisuzuparts.com/images/Axiom/Thumbs/1-11a.gif
Part 152 on the image

 

[FusilliJerry82]

I would just go with G-05 and rest easy.

 

[-SyN-]

Thanks Ursae for your advice... I will leave the new prestone in and drive for another 3yrs... Thanks everyone.

 

[Ursae_Majoris]

Keep an eye on the overflow (surge) tank. If you see any brown sediment, drain the coolant immediately. Dexcool turns into brown sludge when exposed to air. Also, make sure that coolant level in the tank is at least half way up to the max line, so that radiator does not suck any air in. I fill my overflow tank all the way to the max, and have not had any problems with coolant spilling from it.