Change the Dexcool?

[NCGuy68]

Vehicle is a 01 Camaro LS1, all Aluminum motor with 295 original miles. A Special Edition Show Car that sits in a climate controlled enviroment all the time. GM says Dexcool is good for 100K miles or 5 years. Obviously, the time factor is over.

Question is: Should I dump the factory fill, flush and replace it? Hate to replace it if its not needed.

Thanks for knowledgeable replys Gents.

 

[b-man]

Replace it.

Your time is up, time for a change for sure.

I just changed the factory fill 2 days ago on my '02 WS6 T/A (16,900 miles), it was just over 5 years old. Looked perfect inside the radiator, the old fluid was very clean-looking.

 

[Chispas]

2002 Cavalier with 2200 push rod engine and 10,069
miles, I had the same question.

Maybe it fits you too.

I ordered 3 l2 oz bottles of RMI 25.

One bottle added.

Wanted to see what it did over the next 6 months.

A little "gel" in the tank, nothing rusty or

alarming.

Will completely vacuum the system this summer and

will re-fill with Dexcool.

Will report back...I can't see how Dexcool can

be "bad" with about 12,000 miles and 5 years.

If I'm wrong I'll admit it.

 

[Stainless]

I absolutely, whole-heartedly HATE dexcool. I might be the new guy, but i can't count all the chevy engines i have seen where the Dexcool turned to jello. INCLUDING my own 98 Lumina with the 3.1 v6.

the first thing i recommend to anyone who buys a used car equiped with dexcool, is have it flushed and changed to green.

but, stand by for MANY to flame me.

 

[BuzzCut]

Why does this dead horse continuously get brought up...

Dex is fine as long as it isn't neglected. There are more running with dex and no problems than those few that have been neglected.

 

[hsdfcu]

I must agree. My wifes car with Dex is running fine. Change it every 3 year and flush with Vinagear. Dex is cheap; ie like $8 per gallon.

Going to try some RMI-25 since that seems to be the buzz now. I will post on my website when done.

 

[NCGuy68]

Quote:

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Why does this dead horse continuously get brought up...

Dex is fine as long as it isn't neglected. There are more running with dex and no problems than those few that have been neglected.

---

I asked the question because I measured 0.120 volts DC in the Dexcool. To me, that means there is no corrosive galvanic action going on in the cooling system.

Apparently, GM says to dump it simply because its 5 years old regardless of the milage. Seems like a waste.

Any other knowledgeable thoughts Gemts?

 

[Rand]

I'd dump it and refil with wal-mart dexclone 5.55$/gal and distilled water.. but wouldnt bother with a flush or anything..
simple drain and refill of the radiator to renew the properties.

 

[DJStillman]

I have to admit, I have been rather interested in this topic as well.

I just bought a 1998 Oldsmobile Aurora 4.0L Northstar V8. I got it with 75k miles, and it now has 77.5k. Cooling performance is pretty good, but I think I have the original Dex in it. I put water wetter in it when I first got it, and that has helped the temp to stay more where it should be.

The RMI25 has me really curious to try, at least for it's cleaning properties.

I am also thinking about maybe replacing the dex with G-12, since we know it has had very good success with long term use, and all aluminum engines.

So, my thoughts on the subject...

 

[NCGuy68]

Thanks for your thoughts DJ, I'am near Raleigh myself.

I can get Havoline Dex for $8.50/gal so I'll dump the factory fill this weekend. My headache will be getting to the engine block drain plug to flush the system completly.

Interesting Note: GM says to refill with "drinkable water", not necessarily distilled or demineralized.

 

[The Critic]

Use Distilled. Minerals will cause unneeded buildup in the system.

The 5-yr service interval was specified not necessarily due to the need for a coolant change, but because GM wants the other parts of the system to be inspected as well. Often times, only during a coolant service are the hoses thoroughly inspected, and the system pressure tested. DexCool, theoretically, can last virtually forever considering that it lacks sacrificial components.

 

[sump]

Quote:

---

I have to admit, I have been rather interested in this topic as well.

I just bought a 1998 Oldsmobile Aurora 4.0L Northstar V8. I got it with 75k miles, and it now has 77.5k. Cooling performance is pretty good, but I think I have the original Dex in it. I put water wetter in it when I first got it, and that has helped the temp to stay more where it should be.

The RMI25 has me really curious to try, at least for it's cleaning properties.

I am also thinking about maybe replacing the dex with G-12, since we know it has had very good success with long term use, and all aluminum engines.

So, my thoughts on the subject...

---

I ahve the RMI-25 (qt size; $26 to my door). Trying it in the Dexcool tonight.

 

[titanium10k]

I think one important think is to flush with distilled water. I had a 94 dakota with 160000 on it, flushed the green every 30k with the garden hose. Well the radiator had a crack in it and I changed it out. Well I broke open the radiator and couldnt believe how clogged and corroded the bottom side was. I always flushed at regular intervals and always kept overflow bottle full. I have the pics somewhere on my computer I should post sometime.