Should I switch from the green stuff to Dexcool?

[Edmond]

What are the benefits of doing this? Will my engine run cooler? Isn't Dexcool more expensive than the green stuff?

 

[Tuna]

DexCool is supposed to last a lot longer and provide better protection to the block, heads, etc. It's doesn't cool any better (with or without Water Wetter).

I made the switch to DexCool on my 92 for two reasons - it's supposed to last longer, and both of my other cars are DexCool cars -> did not see any reason to keep 2 kinds of anti-freeze in the garage.

I haven't noticed any difference between cooling ability with the DexCool versus the green stuff.

 

[ErnieN85]

Two benefits from changing to Dexcool
1. less corrosion (the heater core will last longer and its a real Bi**h to change)
2. less abrasive which means the water pump will last longer

 

[The Car Whisperer]

Ive been using the Dexcool in my 86' for 6 years now, left it in for 5 years then changed it last year. No problems at all. I'll keep using it, just like TUNA says, no sense keeping 2 different kinds of anti freeze around since most all of the new cars are coming with it now.

 

[Vettelt193]

My personal experience is the green stuff cools better than Dexcool. I wouldn't make the switch.

 

[BigRed]

I won't touch Dexcool IMHO its garbage.

Heres my reasoning...

Has anyone ever seen that blacky browny crud in a Dexcool overflow tank? Reason is if you DON'T look after you car the way we do our Vette's the water in the coolant will evaporate as steam from the overflow...NORMAL but Dexcool turns into a GEL and I mean 10 times worse than green.

My friend bought a 99' Jimmy and guess what at 65'000 KM's he's got a plugged heater core....cute real cute.

If I had to buy a car with Dexcool installed I would switch the first day I got it. As far as Im concerned Dexcool is a crappy w ay for GM to sell more parts.

Don't get me wrong though if you BABY your car and your checking the thing every day etc.. Dexcool is yes! more superior.

And I get about 20 Dexcool vehicles a week and out of 20? 16 of them are looking like crap and the other 4 are brand new.

 

[Dave L.]

I agree with BigRed. You couldn't find one tech in our shop who have anything good to say about dexcool.

Dave

 

[TWINRAY]

Say it isn't so:cry
I put it in all my vehicles last year

 

[Rabbit]

http://autorepair.about.com/library/weekly/aa052601a.htm


This article may help a little.

 

[wx briefer]

When changing the coolant last year in the '96, all looked as pure as kool aid. I also have had the Dex for over 2 years in an '81 mercedes, so far so good.

Although I have heard many horror stories from those with bad first hand experiences, I believe the trick is to keep the coolant level topped off and, if changing from green, make sure to flush every ounce of green first. (Oh yeah, do it yourself so that you KNOW it is mixed with distilled water)

 

[Edmond]

Guys,

I think I'm gonna play it safe and stick with the green stuff. I'm going to do it tomorrow and use a bottle of Water Wetter. Wish me luck!:L:L:L

 

[Eagle85C4]

I changed to the dexcool thinking newer is better. Within 45 days I had replaced the radiator and then the water pump let go. I went back to green....no problems in 2 years.
The radiator was easy...but the pump was a bear to change.

 

[Edmond]

I changed to the dexcool thinking newer is better. Within 45 days I had replaced the radiator and then the water pump let go. I went back to green....no problems in 2 years.
The radiator was easy...but the pump was a bear to change.

That was my mentality but after reading so many stories against Dexcool, I'm sticking with the green stuff. It was like $8.00 a gallon at Wal Mart, the green stuff is almost $2.00 cheaper a gallon.

Thanks guys!

 

[larryfs]

the only reason to use dexcool is if your car CAME with dexcool from the factory. NO other reason is valid.

if your car originally had green, dexcool will only last 2 years, not 5, due to the block pores alreadly being sealed with green, not dexcool.

plus your risking the famous dexcool sludge, CLOGGED heater core, massive dexcool corrosion.

 

[The Car Whisperer]

I switched to DEXCOOL 6 years ago, ZERO problems. I can see the possibility of problems if you don't clean you cooling system and remove every trace of the green antifreeze. I used a chemical flush from NAPA, followed the instructions and then ran the engine with the radiator drain cock open and hose in the radiator to feed water to the radiator at an equal rate to the water that was draining out. Ran the engine for 15 to 20 minutes this way at idle. Then shut off engine, drained the block and let the radiator drain. Closed everything up and added a 50/50 mix of Dexcool and distilled water. I also added a bottle of Prestone Anti-corrosive with water pump lube. This process took a while but I have not had any problems. When I look in the radiator it is super clean. I use this same process when I used green antifreeze, but did it more often, I went the first 5 years with DEXCOOL in my 86' and now I'm into my second 5 year cycle. It is an 18 year old car and everything in the cooling system is original except for the hoses. Everything works fine, the engine never overheats, 200 to 210 deg F max temp when running, no leaks. Just my 2 cents, but this has been my experience with DEXCOOL.

 

[Tuna]

I switched to DexCool in my 92 several years ago also. No problems.

Like Whisperer, I completely flushed the system of all traces of the green stuff before putting in DexCool. That's what I was told to do. Not a single problem and I'm pushing 103k miles and routinely see temps of 190-195 on my LT1.

Seems that a lot of people don't pay attention to instructions and mixed DexCool with the green stuff to their detriment.

Switch, don't switch - your call. Just make sure to completely flush the system before hand.