Cooling System Service

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The Critic

The Critic

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With the exception of the sludge-prone GM cooling systems, I don't see a reason to replace the coolant on cooling systems equipped with long-life fluid.

By the time the coolant is officially due for replacement, most cooling systems components are near the end of their life anyway so it would make more sense to either replace the entire system preemptively or to wait until you have a leak. With most coolants being rated for 100-150k or 10 years, most cooling system components do not last much longer than that.

Replacing the coolant before you do a cooling system rebuild (either for maintenance or for repair) seems like a waste of money, time and resources.
 
Originally Posted By: barlowc
Nissan calls for a flush of our Altima's coolant every 30K starting at 60K. I'll probably follow that schedule.


There was a TSB issued for late 2009 models and newer (EM09-001 and EM09-001a) which stated that the new Blue LLC is good for 10 years or 135k. However, they later revised the bulletin and said the stuff is only good for 7/105k and subsequent refills needing to be replaced every 5/75k.
 
The coolant system in my 250+k miles '94 LS400 is all original except the upper hose and thermostat. The upper hose was changed about 1.5-2 years ago and thermostat was changed twice. I don't remember if it has new water pump or original.

This car used Preston and Peak all-make/all-model coolant, flushed with T-flush every 3-4 years with tap water.

The 11 years old E430's coolant had been changed twice now, the recommend is every 4 years with G05. The next change/flush will be next year. All components are OEM.

The 7 years old S2000 has OEM long life coolant, I will not change it until 2014.

No, I don't believe in changing coolant early like every 2 years. Like engine oil, coolant system and coolant itself are much better now than 15-20 years ago.
 
Personally, with G-05 in my Jeep, I'll change it after 3 - 4 years, or if it begins to look like it needs to be changed. While I've got the system drained, I'll replace any questionable parts, but I don't see a reason to totally rebuild the system every few years.

Both of my radiator hoses have been recently replaced, as I figured while they're off, I might as well put on new ones. I also replaced the bypass hose to the water pump on the same thinking, especially being that it's so hard to get to. However, the heater hoses are still original, and look perfectly fine, so I see no reason to replace them yet.
 
Originally Posted By: The Critic
With the exception of the sludge-prone GM cooling systems, I don't see a reason to replace the coolant on cooling systems equipped with long-life fluid.

By the time the coolant is officially due for replacement, most cooling systems components are near the end of their life anyway so it would make more sense to either replace the entire system preemptively or to wait until you have a leak. With most coolants being rated for 100-150k or 10 years, most cooling system components do not last much longer than that.

Replacing the coolant before you do a cooling system rebuild (either for maintenance or for repair) seems like a waste of money, time and resources.


Where does the 10 year spec come from?

As an example, Zerex's G-05 and Dexcool are both 5 year/150k miles.
 
Originally Posted By: bigmike

Where does the 10 year spec come from?

As an example, Zerex's G-05 and Dexcool are both 5 year/150k miles.


I forgot about the domestics. Off-hand:

Toyota: 10/100k
Honda: 10/120k
Nissan: 10/135k or 7/100k
BMW: Lifetime fill
VAG: Lifetime fill
 
I can't find any documentation for Honda other than what is on the Honda blue type 2 bottle (5 year / 60k miles). Owner manual states to follow the MM. Where did you guys find the 10 year/120k spec?
 
Originally Posted By: bigmike
I can't find any documentation for Honda other than what is on the Honda blue type 2 bottle (5 year / 60k miles). Owner manual states to follow the MM. Where did you guys find the 10 year/120k spec?

On the pre-MM cars, it was 10/120k. This was indicated by both the owners manual and on some cars, an underhood label.
 
Sorry to take the thread off-topic, so going back to your original post...

I have mixed feelings about it.
Do vehicles need cooling system overhauls because of owner's neglecting their antifreeze?
Is there evidence that cooling system overhauls are necessary at the 10 year mark?

I personally have never replaced any cooling system component in any of my vehicles before the 20 year mark. Remarkable - not even a thermostat or radiator cap.
 
Mike, you just don't get out much! Seriously, that's good for you, perhaps you are just lucky?

On our fleet we developed the following procedure with respect to coolant: No coolant change unless the system is cracked for repairs. Typical water pump life is almost always more than 150k miles. We do replace radiator caps regularly, though, as I lost a good radiator to a steam bubble once.
 
Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
Mike, you just don't get out much! Seriously, that's good for you, perhaps you are just lucky?



I've been accused of worse. I figured I must be the exception.

I had to replace a radiator and an upper hose on a 20+ year old truck. Did the water pump at 180k miles or thereabouts.

Other than that, I've done nothing but maintenance, which includes drain/refills only.

I'm not sure why I'd wait until something broke before replacing the fluid, and, in a sense, that's what is being recommended in this thread. Either way, I don't feel like in the case of GM, I should wait beyond the 5 year mark for service.

Imports might be another matter.
 
It must be a time thing rather than mileage. Since we drive way too many miles a day we won't wait for more than about 3 years for that magical 100k miles or so.

I have never experienced a dexcool issue despite owning dozens of GM trucks. Can't really understand all the hullaballoo!
 
I haven't personally had any problems with Dexcool either, but I follow the 5 year / 150k mile stipulation. When I took it to the dealer and asked them about doing the service, they told me they only did it at the 100k mile mark (which I'm nowhere near). I explained I had 5 years on the truck already and Dexcool is rated at 5 years, but they declined to do the service stating that the time didn't mean anything.

Personally, I think the manufacturer of the fluid would have a reason for the time specification, so I changed it myself.
 
No offense, but stealerships may be the WORST place to get advice!

I am impressed that they declined to find a way to take your money. My local GMC dealer would steal from their own Mom if they could.
 
Had a water pump gasket, desintagrate, (just the gasket) go on our 98 K1500, in 2010 that was attributed to the Dexcool. most of it was changed then and the system got a full flush and fill just recently. As far as "lifetime fluids" or even long life fluid, I wouldn't believe that for a minute, from any manufacturer. No more a waste of money than oil changes.
 
For my Sonata, Hyundai recommends doing the first coolant change at 60K or 5 years for the first time, and then every 30K or 2 years thereafter. (I guess they use super-pooper antifreeze/coolant in the factory?) I'm using Zerex Asian Vehicle, which Valvoline claims can run 150K or 5 years. Not sure what I'll do but I am not going to go by Valvoline's claims. I'll probably do a simple drain/fill every 10K or 8 months, because my neurosis will settle for no less.
 
Originally Posted By: glum
For my Sonata, Hyundai recommends doing the first coolant change at 60K or 5 years for the first time, and then every 30K or 2 years thereafter. (I guess they use super-pooper antifreeze/coolant in the factory?)


It was explained to me once that at the factory they can control the type of water used and the exact mixture, but once out in the open nothing can be guaranteed. Plus remember at the factory its literally a fresh fill on a bone dry system. On the service side there is still remnants in the system.
 
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