Dump the DEX-COOL for the Green? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Legolas894 · 02-13-2011, 12:35 PM

OK, have you guys got rid of the DEX-COOL orange and switched to regular glycol-based antifreeze? I just topped mine off with the orange but thinking about switching it over in the spring. Can you just drain, flush and fill or are there any issues I need to know about?

Thanks

63chevyll · 02-13-2011, 12:51 PM

I did when I changed the engine... but haven't done the flush. You would have to get all the Orange out.
Posted via Mobile Device

463 · 02-13-2011, 12:57 PM

dont mix dexcool and the green as the you will sluge up the cooling system. dex cool is just fine as long as you use dex cool and flush at the recomended intervals make sure to keep the over flow tank at the full cold to prevent air from entering the system. some have went to the green and been ok

**truckdude239** · 02-13-2011, 01:28 PM

every gm that cvomes threw my shop for cooling sytem work get green put back in unless dex cool is requested

LUV2XCLR8 · 02-13-2011, 02:47 PM

I've Gone GREEN on all of my rides that came with ORANGE.

The only thing you have to change is the RADIATOR cap.

**scotts62** · 02-13-2011, 05:07 PM

I go green in everything. even once our new car went out of warranty it was changed out. Once you tear into an engine that was neglected coolant wise you will know.

badpeanut · 02-13-2011, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LUV2XCLR8

I've Gone GREEN on all of my rides that came with ORANGE.

The only thing you have to change is the RADIATOR cap.

Excuse my ignorance, but what is different about the radiator cap?

Legolas894 · 02-13-2011, 08:42 PM

Thanks for the replies-Forgot to mention that it's for the 1998 Suburban K1500 with 5.7L V8.

I'm leaning towards switching out since I don't know much about the previous owners maintenance habits. I'm the third owner so who knows if they were good about not letting air in etc.

I did read on here somewhere that the rad cap needs to be changed but is it a different pressure thing or can you just get a rad cap that fits?

463 · 02-13-2011, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badpeanut

Excuse my ignorance, but what is different about the radiator cap?

most of the correct rad caps say "dexcool" clears up confusion

LUV2XCLR8 · 02-13-2011, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badpeanut

Excuse my ignorance, but what is different about the radiator cap?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Legolas894

I did read on here somewhere that the rad cap needs to be changed but is it a different pressure thing or can you just get a rad cap that fits?

Quote:

Originally Posted by 463

most of the correct rad caps say "dexcool" clears up confusion

It's a pressure thing, at least what I was told, but
as 463 also said, it keeps a shop from screwing up.

BigBlocksRule · 02-14-2011, 08:46 AM

I don't run Dex, won't until it's the only thing available.

With green, I can check the antifreeze in my trucks and those of my kids much easier - if it's good and green, we're good to go.

Dex always looks like rusty water!

And I always run straight green in my stuff. We don't get cold enough here to freeze pure stuff, and the insides of my engines' water jackets and radiators are always clean, clean, clean!

SWEET7T · 02-14-2011, 09:33 AM

234K on mine with the DEX without issues. I replaced the heads at 207k and the coolant passages on the motor looked clean.

**scotts62** · 02-14-2011, 09:42 AM

You must keep up on it then. When its neglected it turns to mud, the green puts up with a lot more.

ChevLoRay · 02-14-2011, 02:14 PM

Green antifreeze can be exposed to air, and not change the way it looks.

Dexcool, on the other hand, will look like mud if air gets into the system. That can happen when the coolant level drops in the reservoir and allows air to be sucked into the system when you shut down the engine. One reason for that is the intake manifold leaks that are common in these trucks. I learned that with my '96 Silverado with a 5.7. My '96 GMC with a 4.3, has almost 160K on it without any coolant issues. I replaced my intake gaskets, but still run Dexcool.

It's your decision, but like has been said, don't mix the two.

bowtiebuilder · 02-15-2011, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SWEET7T

234K on mine with the DEX without issues. I replaced the heads at 207k and the coolant passages on the motor looked clean.

mblackburnjr · 02-20-2011, 04:41 PM

Dex-cool is acidic. If air enters the system(low coolant levels) rust deposits will form in these pockets in a short time. Thats why it gets rusty looking. Manufacture recomends replacing every two years.

Just about every vehicle that comes into the shop with 5 or more years on it usually have the rusty looking coolant jug. However the newer pink stuff is less acidic.
It seems the multi-purp aftermarket coolants are a better way to go.
dex-cool is junk. Flush it out!

02-13-2011, 12:35 PM	#1
Legolas894 Chemist under the hood... Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Fort Erie,ON, Canada Posts: 617	Dump the DEX-COOL for the Green? OK, have you guys got rid of the DEX-COOL orange and switched to regular glycol-based antifreeze? I just topped mine off with the orange but thinking about switching it over in the spring. Can you just drain, flush and fill or are there any issues I need to know about? Thanks __________________ Current fleet: 2013 GMC Sierra, 5.3L, 4x4 1988 GMC Sierra, 305, Auto 1984 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, 360 V8 1997 VW Cabrio, 2.0L 2017 Toyota Rav4, 2.5L Stuff I wish I still had: 2013 Toyota Matrix [RIP] 1967 GMC 910 Fleetside, 283 V8 [1st Love-SOLD] 1987 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 4X4, 4.0 I-6 [SOLD} 1994 Chevrolet Caprice Classic, 5.7LV8 [SOLD] 1995 Chevrolet Astro AWD, 4.3L V6 (RIP) 1998 Chevrolet Suburban 4x4, 5.7L V8 [SOLD]

02-13-2011, 12:51 PM	#2
63chevyll gets board easy....... Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 717	Re: Dump the DEX-COOL for the Green? I did when I changed the engine... but haven't done the flush. You would have to get all the Orange out. Posted via Mobile Device

02-13-2011, 12:57 PM	#3
463 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sask Canada Posts: 1,666	Re: Dump the DEX-COOL for the Green? dont mix dexcool and the green as the you will sluge up the cooling system. dex cool is just fine as long as you use dex cool and flush at the recomended intervals make sure to keep the over flow tank at the full cold to prevent air from entering the system. some have went to the green and been ok __________________ Trueman Last edited by 463; 02-13-2011 at 01:08 PM.

02-13-2011, 01:28 PM	#4
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,237	Re: Dump the DEX-COOL for the Green? every gm that cvomes threw my shop for cooling sytem work get green put back in unless dex cool is requested __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube

02-13-2011, 02:47 PM	#5
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,468	Re: Dump the DEX-COOL for the Green? I've Gone GREEN on all of my rides that came with ORANGE. The only thing you have to change is the RADIATOR cap. __________________ Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Tow Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T

02-13-2011, 05:07 PM	#6
scotts62 One day... Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Tuttle, Ok Posts: 9,243	Re: Dump the DEX-COOL for the Green? I go green in everything. even once our new car went out of warranty it was changed out. Once you tear into an engine that was neglected coolant wise you will know. __________________ Scott 93 crew cab build Project 62

02-13-2011, 08:42 PM	#8
Legolas894 Chemist under the hood... Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Fort Erie,ON, Canada Posts: 617	Re: Dump the DEX-COOL for the Green? Thanks for the replies-Forgot to mention that it's for the 1998 Suburban K1500 with 5.7L V8. I'm leaning towards switching out since I don't know much about the previous owners maintenance habits. I'm the third owner so who knows if they were good about not letting air in etc. I did read on here somewhere that the rad cap needs to be changed but is it a different pressure thing or can you just get a rad cap that fits? __________________ Current fleet: 2013 GMC Sierra, 5.3L, 4x4 1988 GMC Sierra, 305, Auto 1984 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, 360 V8 1997 VW Cabrio, 2.0L 2017 Toyota Rav4, 2.5L Stuff I wish I still had: 2013 Toyota Matrix [RIP] 1967 GMC 910 Fleetside, 283 V8 [1st Love-SOLD] 1987 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 4X4, 4.0 I-6 [SOLD} 1994 Chevrolet Caprice Classic, 5.7LV8 [SOLD] 1995 Chevrolet Astro AWD, 4.3L V6 (RIP) 1998 Chevrolet Suburban 4x4, 5.7L V8 [SOLD]

02-14-2011, 08:46 AM	#11
BigBlocksRule Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Lubbock, TX Posts: 2,047	Re: Dump the DEX-COOL for the Green? I don't run Dex, won't until it's the only thing available. With green, I can check the antifreeze in my trucks and those of my kids much easier - if it's good and green, we're good to go. Dex always looks like rusty water! And I always run straight green in my stuff. We don't get cold enough here to freeze pure stuff, and the insides of my engines' water jackets and radiators are always clean, clean, clean! Last edited by BigBlocksRule; 02-14-2011 at 08:47 AM.

02-14-2011, 09:33 AM	#12
SWEET7T Try spinnin 4 rear tars Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Posts: 757	Re: Dump the DEX-COOL for the Green? 234K on mine with the DEX without issues. I replaced the heads at 207k and the coolant passages on the motor looked clean. __________________ SWEET7T 1970 C10, 2wd, LB, 307/TH350/3.08. PS, PB

02-14-2011, 09:42 AM	#13
scotts62 One day... Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Tuttle, Ok Posts: 9,243	Re: Dump the DEX-COOL for the Green? You must keep up on it then. When its neglected it turns to mud, the green puts up with a lot more. __________________ Scott 93 crew cab build Project 62

02-14-2011, 02:14 PM	#14
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: Dump the DEX-COOL for the Green? Green antifreeze can be exposed to air, and not change the way it looks. Dexcool, on the other hand, will look like mud if air gets into the system. That can happen when the coolant level drops in the reservoir and allows air to be sucked into the system when you shut down the engine. One reason for that is the intake manifold leaks that are common in these trucks. I learned that with my '96 Silverado with a 5.7. My '96 GMC with a 4.3, has almost 160K on it without any coolant issues. I replaced my intake gaskets, but still run Dexcool. It's your decision, but like has been said, don't mix the two. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

02-20-2011, 04:41 PM	#16
mblackburnjr collector of vintage rust Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: southern ohio Posts: 421	Re: Dump the DEX-COOL for the Green? Dex-cool is acidic. If air enters the system(low coolant levels) rust deposits will form in these pockets in a short time. Thats why it gets rusty looking. Manufacture recomends replacing every two years. Just about every vehicle that comes into the shop with 5 or more years on it usually have the rusty looking coolant jug. However the newer pink stuff is less acidic. It seems the multi-purp aftermarket coolants are a better way to go. dex-cool is junk. Flush it out!



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