I hate to admit it, but I missed the 5 year change on my Suburban ( which is the main reason I have gone to Automotive Wolf software to track my matainence) and recently changed it at 10 years and 140,000. It looked brand new. I havent had any problems since either. ( knock on wood)
whats deal with dexcool
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A common factor in diagnosed DexCool related cooling system problem is air leakage into the cooling system, usually via a bad radiator cap.
Well maintained DexCool systems with no air intrusion seem to do pretty well. That doesn't mean it isn't risky compared to other coolants that don't have it's sensitivity to a less than ideally sealed cooling system.
Well maintained DexCool systems with no air intrusion seem to do pretty well. That doesn't mean it isn't risky compared to other coolants that don't have it's sensitivity to a less than ideally sealed cooling system.
Originally Posted By: ngk22r
Originally Posted By: defektes
odd, after dex killed my LIM (changing it out every 2-3 years with fresh dex,) the back water pocket was corroded and so was the thermostat tube.
When you were changing your coolant, were you using tap water or distilled?
Distilled, and I would install a new pressure cap on my resovoir. Never used any chemical agents.
Father had the same problem in his 5.7l suburb.
Originally Posted By: defektes
odd, after dex killed my LIM (changing it out every 2-3 years with fresh dex,) the back water pocket was corroded and so was the thermostat tube.
When you were changing your coolant, were you using tap water or distilled?
Distilled, and I would install a new pressure cap on my resovoir. Never used any chemical agents.
Father had the same problem in his 5.7l suburb.
Originally Posted By: xxch4osxx
The cooling system in my Silverado is also spotless with using dexcool. I was going to switch it over to another coolant a while ago, but have decided to stay with dexcool. Changing it out every few years and keeping the level full, you should have no problems with dexcool.
+1 I haven't changed my FF yet. I was going to switch to Peak GL, but decided against it and plan to keep Dexcool.
The cooling system in my Silverado is also spotless with using dexcool. I was going to switch it over to another coolant a while ago, but have decided to stay with dexcool. Changing it out every few years and keeping the level full, you should have no problems with dexcool.
+1 I haven't changed my FF yet. I was going to switch to Peak GL, but decided against it and plan to keep Dexcool.
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Originally Posted By: XS650
A common factor in diagnosed DexCool related cooling system problem is air leakage into the cooling system, usually via a bad radiator cap.
Well maintained DexCool systems with no air intrusion seem to do pretty well. That doesn't mean it isn't risky compared to other coolants that don't have it's sensitivity to a less than ideally sealed cooling system.
That's my take. If you're an informed user, all you're doing is exchanging more frequent service points (that are measured in years) with incredibly more frequent system integrity checks to cover the Achilles Heal of the stuff.
As hard as I may work to complicate something, the goal is always for easier management of systems. I'm lazy and contouring my behaviors around the machine isn't in my DNA. You reconfigure the machine to liberate you. Dexcool isn't compatible with that philosophy.
A common factor in diagnosed DexCool related cooling system problem is air leakage into the cooling system, usually via a bad radiator cap.
Well maintained DexCool systems with no air intrusion seem to do pretty well. That doesn't mean it isn't risky compared to other coolants that don't have it's sensitivity to a less than ideally sealed cooling system.
That's my take. If you're an informed user, all you're doing is exchanging more frequent service points (that are measured in years) with incredibly more frequent system integrity checks to cover the Achilles Heal of the stuff.
As hard as I may work to complicate something, the goal is always for easier management of systems. I'm lazy and contouring my behaviors around the machine isn't in my DNA. You reconfigure the machine to liberate you. Dexcool isn't compatible with that philosophy.
As long as you have no drastic leaks and don't run it while it's continously low in a system properly designed for Dexcool, it is very low maintenance compared to green. That is why many HDs use what is essentially Dexcool. The old stuff had its problems too it's just most all of the teething problems were worked out. At this point Dexcool's is worked out.
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Oh, I'm not trying to talk anyone out of it. I just know myself and how I manage things. I'd end up complacent and it would be assured that it would sneak up on me with me being in total ignorance. Hassle, pain, costs.. No Dexcool just means that I'll never experience Deathcool under any circumstances.
Originally Posted By: Gary Allan
That's my take. If you're an informed user, all you're doing is exchanging more frequent service points (that are measured in years) with incredibly more frequent system integrity checks to cover the Achilles Heal of the stuff.
As hard as I may work to complicate something, the goal is always for easier management of systems. I'm lazy and contouring my behaviors around the machine isn't in my DNA. You reconfigure the machine to liberate you. Dexcool isn't compatible with that philosophy.
My "incredibly more frequent checks" consist of glancing at the transparent coolant surge tank whenever I happen to open the hood. The level, and appearance of the coolant, has not varied in the four years I have had the truck. I also will glance at the serpentine belt, brake fluid level in the transparent master cylinder, signs of incontinence etc. When the used oil analysis results come in, I will ensure that there are no traces of coolant in the oil.
This is the sum total of my checks on my Dexcool-equipped system. I would do the exact same things if I had coolant other than Dexcool.
That's my take. If you're an informed user, all you're doing is exchanging more frequent service points (that are measured in years) with incredibly more frequent system integrity checks to cover the Achilles Heal of the stuff.
As hard as I may work to complicate something, the goal is always for easier management of systems. I'm lazy and contouring my behaviors around the machine isn't in my DNA. You reconfigure the machine to liberate you. Dexcool isn't compatible with that philosophy.
My "incredibly more frequent checks" consist of glancing at the transparent coolant surge tank whenever I happen to open the hood. The level, and appearance of the coolant, has not varied in the four years I have had the truck. I also will glance at the serpentine belt, brake fluid level in the transparent master cylinder, signs of incontinence etc. When the used oil analysis results come in, I will ensure that there are no traces of coolant in the oil.
This is the sum total of my checks on my Dexcool-equipped system. I would do the exact same things if I had coolant other than Dexcool.
Originally Posted By: mechanicx
Dexcool probably has better performance on aluminum, steel, and iron and a longer life than most any other coolant. It has no silicates or phosphates to form solid abrasives (I don't think this is a big issue really) and is pretty tolerate of tap water that's not too low quality. It's pretty cheap and easy to find. Plus if your car has Dexcool already it's good to stay with the same formula if you can especially during the warranty period.
Those are the advantages in an ideal situation, with a pressurized reservoir and compatible gaskets. I think its disadvantages have been covered. It does has disadvantages. Green and G-05 protect against corrosion good as well though.
Dexcool is intolerant of air or low coolant levels, so if there is a leak it will head south rapidly.
The silicates in G-05 are less than the silicates in your toothpaste, so the "abrasive" issue is way overstated.
G-05 can be used in just about anything, while DexCool is definitely best suited to GM vehicles in which it came and a handful of European vehicles that come from the factory with a similar coolant.
Dexcool probably has better performance on aluminum, steel, and iron and a longer life than most any other coolant. It has no silicates or phosphates to form solid abrasives (I don't think this is a big issue really) and is pretty tolerate of tap water that's not too low quality. It's pretty cheap and easy to find. Plus if your car has Dexcool already it's good to stay with the same formula if you can especially during the warranty period.
Those are the advantages in an ideal situation, with a pressurized reservoir and compatible gaskets. I think its disadvantages have been covered. It does has disadvantages. Green and G-05 protect against corrosion good as well though.
Dexcool is intolerant of air or low coolant levels, so if there is a leak it will head south rapidly.
The silicates in G-05 are less than the silicates in your toothpaste, so the "abrasive" issue is way overstated.
G-05 can be used in just about anything, while DexCool is definitely best suited to GM vehicles in which it came and a handful of European vehicles that come from the factory with a similar coolant.
I don't think the silicates is as much issue that the Japanese manufactures claim. There is also the borate issue in G-05 and original green. Japanese don't like coolants with borates and prefer potassium hydroxide instead which Dexcool uses. I don't think G-05 or Dexcool eiher one really belongs in a late-model Japanese vehicle. I think G-05 probably a lesser of 2 "evils", although many have ran Dexcool in them without problems. No coolant actually is good to run low just it's much worse with a straight OAT like Dexcool than one with inorganic inhibitors.
Originally Posted By: SilverC6
Peak Global Lifetime is the answer.
Is this what you run in your LS2?? (Asking a straight up, serious question, NO sarcasm or ridicule implied or imagined!)
If so, have the results been excellent? (This was going to be my next in line choice after G-05 to replace the Dex Cool in my LS1.
)
Peak Global Lifetime is the answer.
Is this what you run in your LS2?? (Asking a straight up, serious question, NO sarcasm or ridicule implied or imagined!)
If so, have the results been excellent? (This was going to be my next in line choice after G-05 to replace the Dex Cool in my LS1.
Originally Posted By: mechanicx
There is also the borate issue in G-05 and original green. Japanese don't like coolants with borates and prefer potassium hydroxide instead which Dexcool uses. I don't think G-05 or Dexcool eiher one really belongs in a late-model Japanese vehicle. I think G-05 probably a lesser of 2 "evils", although many have ran Dexcool in them without problems. No coolant actually is good to run low just it's much worse with a straight OAT like Dexcool than one with inorganic inhibitors.
Sodium borate, like silicates, are purported to be abrasive.
However in the level in G-05 that is no problem.
What sodium borate does do is protect cast iron, which means that in mixed fleets where there are multiple block materials G-05 is a much better choice than DexCool.
There is also the borate issue in G-05 and original green. Japanese don't like coolants with borates and prefer potassium hydroxide instead which Dexcool uses. I don't think G-05 or Dexcool eiher one really belongs in a late-model Japanese vehicle. I think G-05 probably a lesser of 2 "evils", although many have ran Dexcool in them without problems. No coolant actually is good to run low just it's much worse with a straight OAT like Dexcool than one with inorganic inhibitors.
Sodium borate, like silicates, are purported to be abrasive.
However in the level in G-05 that is no problem.
What sodium borate does do is protect cast iron, which means that in mixed fleets where there are multiple block materials G-05 is a much better choice than DexCool.
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Quote:
This is the sum total of my checks on my Dexcool-equipped system. I would do the exact same things if I had coolant other than Dexcool.
..as it is with most, I suspect. Now I typically manage a once a week sphincter check under all the hoods ..not all since some may be at college or whatever. But when you turn around one day on your routine check and do find the bottle low ..just how long and how much has he system been compromised? Suppose it's a leak that doesn't alter the reservoir due to never allowing a vacuum and your usage doesn't make it show on the temp gauge (if so equipped) for weeks? Just how long is too long with Dexcool? Any chart that says "well, if exposed to air for less than 25 operational hours there's no issue"? I've never seen it.
Now advance that to two or three potential incidents over the alleged 5 year span. Do you have the materials on hand for spot coolant analysis? Does everyone who may run into this scenario? I doubt it. What's the odds of you actually remembering that you changed that one hose back 2.6 years ago and had to top up? Now that IS something that I would remember, but ..again, just how much impact did the aforementioned incidences have on the integrity of the coolant vulnerable to just such insult?
So, for my version of "peace of mind" ..and never EVER having to ponder such things, I just won't use it.
Again, I'm accounting for my behaviors.
This is the sum total of my checks on my Dexcool-equipped system. I would do the exact same things if I had coolant other than Dexcool.
..as it is with most, I suspect. Now I typically manage a once a week sphincter check under all the hoods ..not all since some may be at college or whatever. But when you turn around one day on your routine check and do find the bottle low ..just how long and how much has he system been compromised? Suppose it's a leak that doesn't alter the reservoir due to never allowing a vacuum and your usage doesn't make it show on the temp gauge (if so equipped) for weeks? Just how long is too long with Dexcool? Any chart that says "well, if exposed to air for less than 25 operational hours there's no issue"? I've never seen it.
Now advance that to two or three potential incidents over the alleged 5 year span. Do you have the materials on hand for spot coolant analysis? Does everyone who may run into this scenario? I doubt it. What's the odds of you actually remembering that you changed that one hose back 2.6 years ago and had to top up? Now that IS something that I would remember, but ..again, just how much impact did the aforementioned incidences have on the integrity of the coolant vulnerable to just such insult?
So, for my version of "peace of mind" ..and never EVER having to ponder such things, I just won't use it.
Again, I'm accounting for my behaviors.
Here again is a picture of my surge tank
Notice that the tank is pressurised? It is impossible to lose coolant and it not be reflected in the coolant level in the surge tank.
I don't have to take any extra steps to keep an eye on the cooling system. This also holds for the trucks I maintain at work.
Notice that the tank is pressurised? It is impossible to lose coolant and it not be reflected in the coolant level in the surge tank.
I don't have to take any extra steps to keep an eye on the cooling system. This also holds for the trucks I maintain at work.
Don't let the Dexcool detractors discourage you. It protects aluminum and iron against corrosion very well for a long time. The plastic/gasket compatibility is worked out on late-model vehicles. If you have a pressurized reservior the problems with air are eliminated. You would have to have a massive leak and run it low for several thousand miles to cause sludging. So the low coolant light would probably come on and the leak would be obvious and be the real problem, not the coolant type.
Dexcool really only had problems on earlier models that had poor gasket designs and the pressure cap on the radiator. When you add up all the advantages and disadvantages of coolants, Dexcool makes the most sense in a late-model GM.
Dexcool really only had problems on earlier models that had poor gasket designs and the pressure cap on the radiator. When you add up all the advantages and disadvantages of coolants, Dexcool makes the most sense in a late-model GM.
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Quote:
Notice that the tank is pressurised?
Yes, the pressurized "expansion tank" has had increased appearance after an extremely long hiatus from under the hood. The last car I owned that had one was a 1964 Galaxy 500 with a 352. Now I owned it in 1977 ..but..
..but what occurs if and when YOU get a unit with one of the more traditional overflow tanks? What about anyone else who has one? Can they follow your lead with 100% confidence and security?
Notice that the tank is pressurised?
Yes, the pressurized "expansion tank" has had increased appearance after an extremely long hiatus from under the hood. The last car I owned that had one was a 1964 Galaxy 500 with a 352. Now I owned it in 1977 ..but..
..but what occurs if and when YOU get a unit with one of the more traditional overflow tanks? What about anyone else who has one? Can they follow your lead with 100% confidence and security?
If I had a late model GM with a non-pressurised transparent tank, I would still use Dexcool for the superb protection it provides. I open the hood frequently enough that I would notice if the level change in the overflow tank due to expansion was abnormal, indicating that the cooling system is not 'tight'.
Now, if the tank wasn't transparent, I would consider switching over to G-05 since an opaque tank makes it more work to keep an eye on the cooling system. Or, at the very least, I would switch the overflow tank to a transparent one. I agree Dexcool doesn't take well to neglect and is the wrong choice of coolant for a lot of neglected cars.
Now, if the tank wasn't transparent, I would consider switching over to G-05 since an opaque tank makes it more work to keep an eye on the cooling system. Or, at the very least, I would switch the overflow tank to a transparent one. I agree Dexcool doesn't take well to neglect and is the wrong choice of coolant for a lot of neglected cars.
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Again, it's just me knowing me. There's no reason for anyone else to justify their position on it. What works for you is fine ..but I'll never use the stuff unless it's all that there is to buy.
The trouble with Dexcool is that it is a RISK-if you use GO-5, Japanese spec coolant, Peak Global Lifetime, or even plain old style green (changing every 2 years using deionized/distilled water or premix)-there is little or no risk. I'm not a big gambler, myself-I've had 3 vans with Dexcool-2 were fine, one was beginning to show LIM failure @ 160K when I got rid of it-personally I'd avoid it unless it was a GM vehicle under warranty (which would mean pressurized overflow tank)!
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