Is Dex-Cool still a problem?
Is Dex-Cool still a problem?
GM still uses Dex-Cool coolant and there is no longer a problem with gasket coolant interaction. So contrary to the ranting, DexCool IS the recommended coolant for GM engine. Shops reported other problems with DexCool engines besides the 3.1 and 3.4-liter engine. The “rusting” usually NOT affect newer aluminum engines.
What happens if you mix Dex-Cool antifreeze with regular antifreeze?
Dex-Cool is a specially formulated GM coolant which will not mix with traditional coolants, and was used in various GM applications up through the 2004 model year. Mixture of alternate chemicals will void the GM endorsement, will degrade coolant integrity, and possibly damage the coolant system of your GM vehicle.
Can you change from DexCool to regular antifreeze?
If you want to change over to the traditional coolant from Dexcool (I would, I’ve gotten to see some of the damage it’s done on fairly new vehicles) then you need to flush the system. How I’ve seen shops do this is to start the car up and let the engine run a bit to build the coolant pressure.
What causes DexCool sludge?
Dex-Cool sludge is caused by oxidation A faulty radiator cap, coolant additives and stop leak products, mixing a different coolant into Dex-Cool, running low on coolant or using Dex-Cool in an engine not approved for its use can all cause oxidation and corrosion that forms as a sludge.
Is Dex-cool better than antifreeze?
For a couple decades now, GM has used a type of coolant known as Dex-Cool. Despite not being called antifreeze, it still accomplishes the same task, so you don’t have to worry about replacing Dex-Cool for the winter months or anything like that.
Can you put water in a Dex-Cool system?
On GM’s own consumer site, the debate regarding its Dexcool antifreeze continues. And in mixing any antifreeze with water for a 50/50 mix, the use of distilled water is highly recommended.
What antifreeze is compatible with DexCool?
PEAK® COOL Antifreeze & Coolant is an orange-colored, ethylene glycol based antifreeze that may be used in all General Motors vehicles requiring DEX-COOL® antifreeze and coolant, as well as other cars and light duty trucks with aluminum radiators.
What happens if I use the wrong antifreeze?
Mixing different engine coolants or using the wrong coolant can impair the performance of the special additive packages; this can result in increased corrosion to the radiator. Using the wrong engine coolant can gradually lead to corrosion and damage to the water pump, radiator, radiator hoses and cylinder gasket.
What antifreeze is compatible with Dexcool?
What was the problem with the Dex coolant?
Samuel in Bellville, Ohio experienced a similar problem with sludge in the cooling system of his car. “I have sludge in my coolant caused by Dex-Cool,’ he wrote. “GM demands that the coolant be used. So far it’s just the gasket that has to be replaced.
When do you need to add Dexcool to antifreeze?
This is the whole reason that Dexcool is colored and orange/red and regular antifreeze is colored green. I don’t know what year your truck is, but you should go and have the system flushed and refill with DexCool. DexCool is a required coolant in most all GM vehicles after 1995, if I’m not wrong.
When to use Dexcool in a GM Truck?
I don’t know what year your truck is, but you should go and have the system flushed and refill with DexCool. DexCool is a required coolant in most all GM vehicles after 1995, if I’m not wrong. But DexCool chemistry behind DexCool is such that it will not harm the environment if there is an accident or leakage.
Why is there a recall on Dexcool radiators?
The reason for the recall was ruined radiators due to weird orange-brown sludge with a rusty appearance that clogged up the vehicle’s cooling system, failed head gaskets and other major repairs caused directly by DexCool.