I have a 2007 HHR 2.2l auto w/ 273000 miles on it. I will be doing a thermostat replacement in the near future. I know I am supposed to use dex cool as the antifreeze. I just was wondering if anyone used an off brand antifreeze or whether I should pay the extra amount for the ac Delco brand. I want to keep this car for a while yet and am actually thinking of having the motor rebuilt. It treats me a lot better than I have of it and is a strong runner and shifts beautifully. You can't feel the shifts unless you pay real close attention. Thanks all. God bless you all. Stay safe and healthy.

 

It doesn't matter who the manufacturer is, as long as it's DexCool.

But you do want to spend the extra for the right thermostat, get the ACDelco part number 131-158.

 

I use Prestone 50/50 Dexcool premixed no messy mixing, or left overs. It’s ready to use


And remember to burp the coolant!

 

Thanks RJ. Already have that covered. I bought a brand new one off Ebay for $25. Question though. If I buy the undiluted type what is the mix ratio? I know most cars recommend a 50/50 mix. Does the water used matter?
How do I "burp" the coolant?

 

from the manufacturers web page(don't remember which one) for Dex-Cool, Deionized is best, but you can use distilled, or even drinking water in a pinch. For best results, do not use hard or softened water.

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...-system-60614/

If you get full strength, there should be directions on the bottle, mix according to the temperature range in your region.

 

I noticed that many online vendors say "131-158" in their description but in the fine print it says "compatible" or "replaces". They make it so you have to be sure you are ordering Genuine ACDelco.
Even GM tries to sell their cheaper "Professional" one. People think "Professional" means "best"; it really means cheapest wholesale / most profitable for the reseller.

 

The engine design calls for 50/50 mix.
AC Delco 131-158 180 degrees thermostat.
I get mine from RockAuto, not EBay or even parts palaces.
My GM parts guy , I’ve know for 45 years quoted me $148.00 CDN for one up here. Just 2 weeks ago.

 

I didn’t go running for the owners manual, but I’m pretty sure it says 50/50 except in extremely cold climates go 60/40.

I like concentrate because, 1) it’s cheaper even when you buy distilled water at $1.29/gallon, and 2) you have more flexibility. You can get the mix right even if there’s some residual water in the system after flushing. I’d rather be a little rich than a little lean on the mix. As temperate as my area is, we have had rare excursions close to -20 F, and my car is parked outside.

Our 2011 LS at 90K miles had never had the coolant replaced until just a few weeks ago. The car warms quickly to 180 F, and rarely see it approach 190, so I had little interest in messing with the thermostat. I dumped what could without removing the thermostat and refilled and burped and apparently managed to exclude all air the first time. Did not flush or get the last bit out but did open the plug on the water pump. Had I flush I would have done so with distilled water. What came out was clear and bright orange. I attribute this to the coolant recover tank having been constantly checked since we bought it new. Only needed to add a tiny bit once or twice. Basically, it was operated with very little chance for O2 to get into the system. (This is the advantage of a surge tank I think; it provides even less opportunity for the system to accumulate oxygen.)

With the car on a slight upslope (as advised many times innthese forums) and the engine off, I added alternating small doses of Dexcool and distilled water until it would take no more. Then I started it and continued, squeezing the hose between the filler and the radiator to expel bubbles. (This takes patience.) It’s kind of obvious when the thermostat opens and the coolant starts to move, bringing more bubbles. When it seemed it wouldn’t take anymore I put the cap on, and took it for a run around the block, parked the car on the upper slope again and let it cool for an hour or so. Then I repeated and managed to get a little more coolant in the system. I overfulfilled the recovery tank some and called it done. Checked it after a day and after a week and there was zero air under the cap. (A tablespoon or two of air will be expelled through the recovery tank and replaced with coolant from the tank with the expansion and contraction from normal drive cycles.)

 

I thank you very much for your reply. I am sorry that I didn’t acknowledge it right away but there is just so much on my mind and happening in my life that I keep forgetting the most important items. Unfortunately Thanking friends and acquaintances is among them. Thanks again. God bless you. Stay safe and healthy.