Can I change coolant?
Platinum Member
Joined: 12-06-2009
Posts: 11,721
From: Alabama
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Administrator
Joined: 10-13-2011
Posts: 40,083
From: Welland,Ont Canada
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.
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.
Moderator
Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 26,532
From: Fredericksburg,VA
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.
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.
Senior Member
Joined: 04-07-2008
Posts: 1,051
From: Wisconsin
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.
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.
