Pink/Orange Coolant

[Jim]

What is the latest word on use of GM's coolant Dexcool(sp?)? I've heard it becomes a jel in the cooling system/corrodes metal/destroys gaskets/eats holes in plenums/etc. I've been told by the Service Manager at one GM dealership that I should drain and flush at least every two years while using this product and that once it has been put into an engine, it can't be changed to a different type coolant. I can't believe GM hasn't issued some public statement to calm the nerves of those of us who own late model GM products that were filled with this fluid at the factory or put out some bulletin advising of the proper maintenance schedule for changing this coolant and whether to flush or not when changed. I don't believe everything I hear, but there is so much smoke out there about this product's damaging effects it's hard to believe there is not some flame creating all the smoke. What is the whole truth about this product? Should we continue to use it? How often, time and mileage, should it be changed? If it should be removed from an engine and replaced by a different type coolant, what is the best process for doing so and are there any risks involved? I have a 2000 Silverado, 2000 Buick and 2002 Corvette all of which have this coolant in them from the factory. I have a neighbor who spent almost $2K on gaskets and plenums on a '98 Olds that the GM mechanic stated was caused by the corrosive effects of dexcool, but GM wouldn't cover. He now drives a Mercury, sic. How about it? Anyone have the real truth on this product's effects on engines?

 

[c4c5specialist]

Hi there,
Please reference the discussion on this subject, and see what you think.
If there are further questions, please do not hesitate to post them here.
Allthebest, c4c5
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=158330#post158330

 

[Jim]

Thanks c4c5! I missed that post under c4 forum. I guess nothing has changed since then.

I'm a little dense, so let's make sure I understood all that was said in the c4 forum:

1. Dexcool must always be mixed 50/50 with distilled water;

2. Never put Dexcool in an engine that was previously filled with any other coolant;

3. There are no corrosion or jel problems associated with factory installed dexcool as long as nothing is added to the cooling system except more dexcool mixed 50/50 with distilled water;

4. Dexcool is good stuff for the environment and for the engines that came from the factory filled with it.

Does all this appear to be correct?

Do you recommend leaving the factory installed dexcool in the engine for the time specified in the maintenance schedule in each vehicle's handbook?

I want you to know how fortunate I feel we are to have your input. Your knowledge is truly a great resource and reassurance to us all. Thanks for all the time you give us! By the way, that's a real cutie you've got on your shoulder there!

 

[c4c5specialist]

Hi there,
There should always be checks performed at least every year, or 12k, which ever comes first.
Electrolysis, leaks, and the like all will lessen the life of Dexcool.
Using a refractometer to correctly test Dexcool will tell you how you are doing.
No, I would always use Dexcool in a car that came with it.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[Jack]

additional DEX-COOL info

Regarding DEX-COOL ... I just got reliable info that sheds a bit more light ... see my post at thread below. BTW, GM production should've made sure they were full ... the dealers should have topped off during prep ... but IMHO, the factory is the root cause for short-fill.

http://corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=184052#post184052

JACK:gap