Chevy HHR Network - Can I change coolant?

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Quote:

Originally Posted by comandoed (Post 860630)

My 2207 HHR LT which I bought 1 month ago came with the Red coolant and it's more than halfway gone.

I have about 1.5 Gal of 50/50 Green coolant and 1 Gal Full strength Green coolant.

Can I flush the Red coolant out with a hose and just use the Green coolant?

You're going to need a crystal ball to look ahead 188 years.! :number1:....................:lol:

As I said in post #8, Dexcool 50/50 mix with clean drinkable water is correct.
Why, the chemistry in that mixture is designed to last 5 years, resist corrosion in the block , extend water pump life .
My coolant hoses are 12 years old, and still like new.

The old green stuff lasted 2 years, wasn’t friendly to aluminium heads or blocks, water pumps etc.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed ke6bnl (Post 860684)

BUT what is correct and why.

You never opened the hood and looked at the expansion tank cap, or looked in your Owner Manual?

You could say the because it is GM is being a bully and insisting that you buy their product. Wrong! GM does not make DexCool, many companies do. It is illegal for them to do that, they would have to supply it for free if they did.
So, Occam's Razor says just maybe they are recommending a product that they have actually put time and money into researching.

There is no reason NOT to follow GM's recommendation, there is little difference in price between the various types of anti-freeze.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed ke6bnl (Post 860684)

I am not speaking from technical knowledge but I picked up a 2.2L ecotec to put in my buggy and I put in the green coolant 5 years ago and we run these engine at 4000-4500 rpm all day long and beat them up I have not had a problem and my boy is running the red, just saying. I am more concerned for the wifes 2.4L HHR that I would like to be more correct with BUT what is correct and why.

The thing is, it's not a problem until it's a problem. I've always followed the owners manual. I typically put 160k or more on my vehicles before I'm done with them. My HHR is approaching 157k and I have no plans to get rid of it. I have not had an anti-freeze leak or any cooling issues on any of my GMs since they switched to DexCool.

Read the labels. Some coolant is green and labeled safe for DexCool engines. I'm thinking that stuff is OK, but that the manufacturer does not want to pay to license it as DexCool. Often this stuff is a little cheaper, but since the coolant is good for 5 years or 100k, the savings are a moot point.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Truckingeek (Post 860639)

Naaa, you'll only end up worrying about leaks.

That did cross my mind. So no coolant for me. :idea:

Quote:

Originally Posted by cat man hhr (Post 860762)

that did cross my mind. So no coolant for me. :idea:

lmao

Quote:

Originally Posted by Truckingeek (Post 860866)

lmao

Make sure you have tight pants on to hold that thing in place. :biggrin2:

I don't blame the original poster for not answering...………………..