whats deal with dexcool

[Wilhelm_D]

Originally Posted By: bullwinkle
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)!


It is difficult for me to see any advantage of DexCool over G-05.

Antifreeze coolant is relatively cheap, engine and cooling system damage expensive.

G-05 is a more "failsafe" product.

I began using it as the Mercedes coolant based on a recommendation from a radiator shop that used nothing but G-05, and they never had a problem with a vehicle using it.

 

[Petersubaru]

Originally Posted By: Wilhelm_D
Originally Posted By: bullwinkle
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)!


It is difficult for me to see any advantage of DexCool over G-05.

Antifreeze coolant is relatively cheap, engine and cooling system damage expensive.

G-05 is a more "failsafe" product.

I began using it as the Mercedes coolant based on a recommendation from a radiator shop that used nothing but G-05, and they never had a problem with a vehicle using it.




..the only advantage of dexcool may be the convenience of purchasing the product..today I went to 9 different auto parts stores along the border(O'reilly,autozone,carquest,canadian tire,napa,advance,meijers and walmart(us & can) and not one of them has the G05 ..no longer carrying the product, were at one time they all did carry it,.. dealer item only I was told by a couple places..prestone/honeywell has really taken over market along with the other products they sell...

 

[dailydriver]

ALL of my local NAPAs still have the Zerex branded G-05 on the shelves.

 

[Wilhelm_D]

Originally Posted By: Petersubaru
..the only advantage of dexcool may be the convenience of purchasing the product..today I went to 9 different auto parts stores along the border(O'reilly,autozone,carquest,canadian tire,napa,advance,meijers and walmart(us & can) and not one of them has the G05 ..no longer carrying the product, were at one time they all did carry it,.. dealer item only I was told by a couple places..prestone/honeywell has really taken over market along with the other products they sell...


Every Chrysler, BMW, Ford, and Mercedes dealer has G-05 under their own brand name.

 

[gamefoo21]

Well... I have a VW, someone did the water pump, changed the coolant out for classic green, the last shop put in a temp sensor, and they refilled it with Dexcool...

Sensor died, I pull it out, and the coolant is darkish green with brown/orange highlights, I look at the sensor, and the plastic body has been changed, you can peel it away with your finger... Yum Yum Deathcool!

Sure enough when flushing, took me 4 fill and drains to get the water to come out looking clear, and I used flushing additives, the car no longer overheats when sitting still anymore.

Deathcool, great coolant for an OEM that wants to pimp 'longlife' don't put it ANYTHING that isn't made for it, or it'll chew through plastic. This car was lucky that it was only a fill up with Dex on top of the classic green, because if it was pure Dex in there, I'm sure the sensor would have come out on it's own, along with the pressure tank cap showing signs of plasticizer abuse. Still have to inspect the rest of the system for damage, oh and I know Prestone says Dexcool can go in VW's, but the VW coolant is different, it doesn't chew plastic like that.

Dexcool is now a banned substance as far as I'm concerned... :|

 

[mechanicx]

Most late-model VWs and other european makes use coolant very similar in chemistry as Dexcool. I wouldn't be so quick to blame Dexcool.

 

[scurvy]

Originally Posted By: mechanicx
Most late-model VWs and other european makes use coolant very similar in chemistry as Dexcool. I wouldn't be so quick to blame Dexcool.

They are similar in that the late-model VW coolants (G12 / G12+ & G12++) are OAT, silicate-free, phosphate free but differ in that they are completely free of 2-Ethylhexanoic acid.

VWs also have a more airtight cooling system than do GM products and G12 runs beautifully in them. Coolant change intervals are right up there with timing belts at 100k miles and the block innards look pristine at all the ones I've seen.

The [censored] plastic water pump impellers are a different story, though, but that's not the fault of the coolant.

 

[mechanicx]

I think those coolant you mentioned along with G48 does contain 2EHA. This has been posted on before. Besides 2EHA is not the worst or only plasticizing OAT it's made out to be. Late-model GM vehicles work just fine on Dexcool as well.

 

[scurvy]

Originally Posted By: mechanicx
I think those coolant you mentioned along with G48 does contain 2EHA. This has been posted on before.

VW's G12/+/++ coolants from Pentosin/BASF do not contain 2EHA.

Some of the aftermarket coolants which have 2EHA claim G12 compatibility.

 

[mechanicx]

Originally Posted By: scurvy
Originally Posted By: mechanicx
I think those coolant you mentioned along with G48 does contain 2EHA. This has been posted on before.

VW's G12/+/++ coolants from Pentosin/BASF do not contain 2EHA.

Some of the aftermarket coolants which have 2EHA claim G12 compatibility.


And they are compatible. G12 is BASF's Glysantin G30. If 2EHA is not used as the OAT inhibitor in G12/G30 then it is most like sebacic acid, which I think is the case. Both sebacic and 2EHA are carboxylate organic acids with similar properties as far as cavitation protection and seal compatibility. Havoline Dexcool has contained both. Both formulas are straight OAT's.

 

[Gary Allan]

..and people wonder why in the world I would run like heck from any of these products. 5 pages of controversy that's mixed with enough disasters to say "why bother with this alleged wonder fluid".

Nope. Sorry. It may be the next best thing to sliced bread ..but I think it molds too easily.

 

[gamefoo21]

Actually, I don't think you can mix Orange with Pink, I've read of some horror stories of people mixing the two and ending up with horrible results...

G12 = Pink/Red
Dex = Orange/Yellow

Gary, I'm with you on that, it's propylene glycol coolants for me!

 

[George7941]

Originally Posted By: gamefoo21
Gary, I'm with you on that, it's propylene glycol coolants for me!


The debate we are having has nothing to do with propylene glycol coolants vs ethylene glycol coolants!

 

[Gary Allan]

Originally Posted By: George7941
Originally Posted By: gamefoo21
Gary, I'm with you on that, it's propylene glycol coolants for me!


The debate we are having has nothing to do with propylene glycol coolants vs ethylene glycol coolants!


From the OP:

I have a 2006 hummer h3 with deathcool as some call it. Should I be worried? It has 57,000 miles on it. What's a good alternative? If dexcool is bad

 

[mechanicx]

You have to watch with PG coolants. Prestone LowTOX is an OAT inhibited formula. I'm not sure about Sierra but I think it isn't OAT. I'm not even sure if Sierra is still around.

 

[Gary Allan]

Sierra is alive a well. My NAPA handles LOW TOX, the one that my son's outfit uses handles Sierra.

 

[Drew2000]

Dexcool can't be that bad. Ford is moving away from G-05. The new Mustang V8 and V6 use "Ford Specialty Orange Coolant" which is Dexcool. Also Ford is using a asian-style green in some of the other new engines like the Ecotec's in the Taurus.

I think that in a new vehicle that's designed around Dexcool, it's a non issue anymore.

 

[07MKX]

IT has everything to do with it.
I've a 3.5L Ford all Al. engine that had a TSB done to it, THEY replaced the 'gold' with a 'dark Green'@5000 miles!

Now I get to read about: OAT, a g12, a g05, a pink, a blue, a original green, a yellow, a this, and an a that.

I don't want a problem understand, I want worry-free collant period. So it now boils down to getting away from a problem with a this or a that and finding out if AMSOIL's coolant will be totally safe with what I own or not.

Years ago I had a freeze plug rot out due to not changing the coolant where it still protected against freezing and had no containment's, yet it rotted due to age and losing anti-corrosion protection.

And now people wonder why all the confusion? lets start with all the numbers, all the colours and all the hype.

 

[mongo161]

I just use the regular Original Green coolant from ZEREX. I make sure to change it every 2 years or 30K miles.

I spoke with my Toyota dealership service department to make sure that the Green was OK to use. He told me yes. I asked him if it was necessary for me to buy the "Red" or the "Pink" and he stated that NO it was not really necessary.

I also took the time to verify all the other fluids that I use in my Toyota. He stated to continue using Dexron III for the transmission and power steering and buy it at WalMart since they don't carry it at the dealership. He stated that it's all the same so get the best deal. He also stated for me to make sure to only use DOT 3 for Brake Fluid. For the rear differential fluid, transfer case and Front Diff he stated to just use the grade that is recommended in the owners or shop manual and that brand was not an issue and a blend of Synthetic was OK to use.

IMO, all of the colors of the rainbow for coolant or any other fluid really mean nothing to me. Just remember....you can't go by color for OAT, HOAT, Low Nitrates etc...you must read and verify with the manufacturer or auto maker to make sure. If you want comfort and peace of mind, make a phone call to Toyota or your dealership to verify, prior to your use, the type of coolant or fluid to use in the exchange of fluids.