Dex-cool over aged, low miles, change out?

[Oldwolf]

I changed my Dexcool out at 100k and replaced with new Dexcool. The old coolant looked and smelled brand new. I have not had any problems with it.

 

[rriddle3]

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rriddle3, Google GM Coolant Tabs" and you may find some info...

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Found anecdotal tales, but nothing that convinces me. I saw 1 GM bulletin that warns of using them on a routine basis to stop a leak, but a GM bulletin with a later date specifies to use them at the time of a coolant flush. I see no harm in their use (if you so choose) as a periodic preventative.

 

[TallPaul]

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Well I drained it out last night. Got 23 quarts of nice clean, clear red Dexcool/water mix. There was a little sediment that came out the engine block drains. The sediment was metal like left over debris from casting. No more than a half a thimblefull I'd say. Shiny metal, not a hint of rust. Guess this engine is clean as a whistle inside. Now I have to refill it. Will pull a heater hose to relieve the upside, so air pressure doesn't build up until the thermostat opens and cause a blow of coolant out the rad neck. I assume the heater hose that connects to the water pump is the one that will be flowing toward the heater core, and the other line is the return, right?

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The heater hoses are not easily accessible, so I just started pouring into the radiator. As I had hoped, the coolant slowly passed through the water pump (or some other route unbeknownst to me) and in time I was able to put 21 of the total 23 quarts into the system merely by pouring into the radiator. Then I fired it up and ran it for 25 minutes until the upper radiator hose was good and hot. Will check tonight to see if level is down and add last two quarts if room. If not room, I suppose it will go in over time as I drive it. Any I am pleased with the simplicity of the whole process. Better to change it now and keep it clean than wait for it to get dirty. The Dex Cool must be pretty good stuff to not have rusted after sitting in there 8 years. Eventually will have to have it flushed and fully serviced as the thermostat should be changed at times. But that can be 5 years from now, which would be estimated 50,000 miles down the road.

 

[Jim 5]

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The gasket problem was with the 3.1 and 3.4 V6s (reference) .

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Not to mention the LIM gaskets in the 5.7L Vortec's. Ask anyone who's owned one (me included).