jnsfeeney

Had my '97s coolant flushed/refilled today. It was time - 5 yrs but only 28k miles. I will do every 2-3 years from now on. I actually let my local dealer do this since it did not require putting car on lift and they were talking up some new equipment they use. They use a coolant 'transfusion' system whereby fresh coolant is pumped into the system while the old coolant is siphoned out by same machine. Pretty slick since it guarantees all old coolant is removed from block, water pump, etc (not just radiator & overflow tank). Labor only $48 - well worth it every 2-3 years and nearly foolproof by the dealer mechanics. Mechanic let me observe - nice clean job. Just thought I'd pass on. By the way, if you do this bring your own distilled water as dealer put regular tap water in the mix (I assumed distilled until I asked - at that time it was too late).........

bparker

:cool:

redriverjohn

That brings an interesting question to my mind. Does the factory use distilled water when filling the cooling system, or whatever comes out of Bowling Green's municipal water line tap?

vettenuts

Bowling Green tap water, but I believe it is monitored by GM.

Dual

Not to ask a silly question....but how much water should we bring for them to put in? Thanks :)

georgec114

Very :cool: , but really!...You wait 5 years to change your coolant and
NOW you're concerned with distilled water? :rolleyes:

...GeorgeC

luvinc5

I ran across the coolant flush/fill machine at a dealership back in June for my daily driver. I was interested until I heard the 'new' coolant was recycled Dexcool. Did your dealer also use recycled Dexcool coolant?

Mike Mercury

sounds like a shop that has pride in their work :cheers:

jnsfeeney

Let me clarify - I bought this car about 4 mos ago - 1997 6 speed w/24k miles after selling my C4 w/140k miles. Since purchase, I am ensuring all maintenance is straight. Given the 5 yr/150k mile interval per owner's manual, this was one of the last items I addressed. After hearing Dexcool horror stories, I'll be sure to change every 2-3 yrs. By the way, the old coolant looked pretty good....

jnsfeeney

Used coolant??? No way (that's disturbing if true given even their comments on risks of letting it 'get thick' on you). Dealer used brand new - watched him open each new container.

akw408

What horror stories?

vettenuts

There were a number of problems with Dexcool filled cars over the years. GM and Texaco presented a joint paper at a symposium a couple of years ago with their findings. Basically, it was a low coolant issue brought about by several factors. Just make sure your coolant is properly filled and you will be fine. Don't overfill the C% or you can damage the tank if the cap isn't working properly.

chuck1026

The Dex-Cool issues of the past seem to have been vehicle-dependent. My 1996 S-Blazer (and enough other S-trucks to generate a TSB) had the coolant go South. My truck was 4 years old and had 30-something thousand miles on the clock. Basically, the coolant precipitated a salt out of itself (GM says from high heat) and turned to a "muddy" color.

This salt can clog up the heater core and radiator. I haven't heard of any C5 issues with the coolant. Just keep an eye on the stuff... if it changes from pink to brown, your coolant is probably breaking down.

The dealer back flushed the system at GM's expense (that is a whole other story).

Mark S.

I will wait until I get four years on the Dexcool before I take her in for a flush and fill...by then I will have a whopping 16K miles on her. I used to go every two years on the '94 (green coolant)...but with Dexcool you can double the amount of time easily.

Tom/99

:cool: