Coolant Changing

[Bigdreams65]

How often should the Dexicool be changed? Also, is this better down by a dealer or can I tackle this job?

Thanks

Bigdreams65

 

[76texvette]

I would think at least once a year.....I found this thread...

I'd suggest a real good radiator cleaning inside & out ... not just a flush but a real cleanout. Best stuff out there is at GM parts dept ... GM P/N 12346500 it's actually Prestone P/N AS100 Heavy Duty Cooling System Cleaner ... but you'll rarely find it anywhere but dealer ... under $10 ... strong stuff, not what you'll find at WallyWorld or Advance ... wear eye protection. Get a free DexCool plugged radiator service bulletin (#99-06-02-012D) printout at GM Svc Dept dealer ... it'll walk you through a cleaning procedure that REALLY works ... just don't refill with Dexcool ... use green stuff. Also, compare and verify your gage with a known gage.

 

[Tuna]

DexCool is supposed to last 5 years!

If you think your system still has the original coolant in it, get it flushed and refilled.

As long as the system is maintained and you don't get any leaks, once every 5 years is often enough. That's what I do.

There are a few people that seem to think that DexCool is bad - I'm not one of them. All my cars are using DexCool. I flush them and refill with DexCool or equivalent every 5 years. I converted my old 92 to DexCool years ago. Can't complain.

DexCool seems to dislike air in the system however. If you have air in the system it can cause come problems. Then again, if you have air in the system, you already have a problem.

That's my 2 cents.

 

[Edmond]

Didn't they make the switch to Dexcool because it was supposed to be less maintenance than the green stuff?

I switched over to Dexcool earlier this year and haven't had a problem at all. Someone told me that the green stuff is harder on the cooling system but I haven't read any research that backs that up.

 

[Tuna]

96 was the change over to DexCool for GM. It's designed to last longer when properly maintained.

 

[Bigdreams65]

I will pan on haveing the system flushed and refilled with the Dexi...

Thanks

Bigdreams65

 

[Rain]

did we decide this is something to take it in for service and have done??

Or can a shade tree mechanic pull this one off....

Thanks
Rain
(sure mine has the orig. 1996 coolant in it)

 

[Edmond]

did we decide this is something to take it in for service and have done??

Or can a shade tree mechanic pull this one off....

Thanks
Rain
(sure mine has the orig. 1996 coolant in it)

I think that you would do it yourself. I did my 88' myself. Just make sure to thoroughly flush it. Some people say use a flush cleaner, others say to not use those cleaners. I can't help you there!

 

[Bigdreams65]

I've also heard if you do it yourself you need to be real carefully you do get anything on the opti spark... I'm a shade tree mechanic myself, but I always seam to get stuff where it shouldn't go... My plan is to have the dealer flush/clean it for me.

Enjoy...
Bigdreams65

 

[oldace84]

I let my mechanic do the job.
Better that way!