BarryR

I want to change the anti-freeze in my 2002 coupe this spring. It will be my first coolant change. What is your feeling toward using Dex-cool or should I change to conventional "green" anti-freeze. I know numerous problems have been reported with Dex-cool.

Thanks,
Barry

GUSTO14

My first experience with Dexcool was when I bought a new Tacoma for my son to drive in 1998 and it came with Dexcool. I have changed it twice since 1998 and each time replaced it with Dexcool. It now has 90k+ on it and there have been no issues with the cooling system at all. I just changed the antifreeze in my 2000 Corvette and put Dexcool back in it. The old coolant was still translucent and there have been no cooling system issues with it either.

I have heard some horror stories related to Dexcool and I'm sure there is truth to them. But your car was designed for Dexcool and unless you have had problems with the cooling system, I would recommend replacing it with a quality Dexcool antifreeze.

I use the Prestone green in most of my other vehicles and by changing it every 2-3 years, have had no problems with any of them from either overheating or corrosion.

If you do decide to replace it with the green antifreeze, there are some specific procedures for doing so. Mostly related to flushing as much of the Dexcool from the system as you possibly can before adding the green antifreeze.

Here is a site that can explain the differences in antifreeze much better than I can.
http://autorepair.about.com/cs/produ.../aa052601a.htm
In any case good luck with your decision...

GUSTO

rws.1

My 2001 has Dexcool in it 87K miles.... I just replaced it when I changed out my A/C compressor..... I did not consider going back to green

Last C5

We had a 96 GMC Jimmy that Dexcool pretty well destroyed the cooling system on. BUT, I think that was due to quick change oil places topping it off with what ever was handy. If I had known more about Dexcool at the time, I don't think there would have been a problem. I'm running Dexcool in my 04 and plan to change it out with more Dexcool when the time comes.

Dave68

Dexcool is good stuff. I'm running it in two of my cars and had had no problems at all. My 01's is due to be changed in a couple of months, when it will be 5 years old.

c4cruiser

Keep using the Dex-Cool. If you change to the green (ethlyne glycol) and do not thoroughly and completely remove all traces of the red Dex-Cool, you will have problems as the two coolants are not compatible.

Dex-Cool does not require you to use distilled water as part of the fill, but it won't hurt anything and will actually insure that there is fewer contaminants in the cooling system. Distilled water is available at grocery stores and typically only costs about $1.50 per gallon. Two gallons should be enough along with two gallons of Dex-Cool for a 50-50 mix to a -35 degree protection.

turboc5

DO NOT SWITCH. the coolant will turn into a jell. Even "if" you get the dex cool all out, the rubber in the hoses are slightly diffrent. the green coolant will dry these out. Buy shell dex cool, they make it for gm.

Lovin It!!! - C5

Stick with the DEXCOOL. It was specifically designed for use with the cooling system in your vehicle. The LS1 is a reverse flow motor and the demands on the cooling fuid are much different than they were in days of old. A reaction can occur between the new coolant and any old coolant residue or even with the seals or internal components. (almost all of which are aluminum as opposed to iron in the older cars.)

Most issues with DEXCOOL have been traced to aftermarket additives or mixing of coolant types.

HTH

c3andc5

These guys are right. DON'T mix any other coolant with DexCool. It causes a chemical reaction that eats up the seals, gaskets and hoses.

pewter99

DEX-COOL has a premix version out..takes the mixing part out of the equation.....also make sure you follow the steps to flush and fill so as not to end up with air in the system

here http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...post1550969620

Nithros

Are you sure about this? The LT1 was a reverse flow motor but with the GEN III, I'm pretty sure they went back to the traditional cooling direction.

Lovin It!!! - C5

DOOH!!!! Your right. Long day cutting down trees.