the orange coolant

[Camaro Dom]

ok, i used to be kinda in between about the orange stuff and i've come to a final conclusion. NO, its not good for a 100,000 mile change. it needs changing every 40-50k. i got mine flused at 80k and it looked like pepsi. #2, NO, it does not eat up water pumps at least. everyone talks about it like its some sort of acid that some crazed GM engineer deviously dumped into our motors just cuz they're sadists like that. i went to the electric water pump a month ago and i was thinkin about it and my water pump looked brand effin new, even tho it was on there for 95k miles.

[BobbyZ72]

If your so positve its noncorrosive pour it all over your engine bay and let it sit a few days before washing it off. Every thing will turn to rust. We had a 99 surbarban, the hose blew. Everything under the hood turned to rust. I changed both my truck and car to green. Also theres no reason why green or orange should not last 100k. Its a totally sealed system.

[CAMAROWIDBASS]

i use yellow

[BobbyZ72]

oh and ive had the head gasket replaced in my 97 full size company van 2 times.. was leaking coolant...orange stuff ate it out.... this is a major problem chevy is having.

[BLLDOGG]

Originally posted by BobbyZ72:
If your so positve its noncorrosive pour it all over your engine bay and let it sit a few days before washing it off. Every thing will turn to rust. We had a 99 surbarban, the hose blew. Everything under the hood turned to rust. I changed both my truck and car to green. Also theres no reason why green or orange should not last 100k. Its a totally sealed system.

it doesnt last because life isnt perfect and neither is a sealed system and also things break down, including chemicals

[hockeyman]

DexCool SUX! I went with the green coolant and had no probs since.
As I said before: It was once referred to as "The Spawn Of Satan!" here once, and I totally agree!

[dafirebird]

No matter what coolant is used, it should be changed at least every 2 years. The coolant also has lubrication properties to keep the water pump lubed. Just like engine oil, the lubrication breaks down after heating up/cooling down over time.

[Crashtest]

And now Prestone has a new coolant you can buy that says you can add it to any color. WTF?

[HeadyFirebird'00]

good point. all the stuffs the same. but i do think the coolant is corrosive, green or orange, its the way it goes.

[BobbyZ72]

Originally posted by Crashtest:
And now Prestone has a new coolant you can buy that says you can add it to any color. WTF?

Thats the only stuff they sell around here... i went to many auto parts...thats all they got. So thats what i put in my car. I figure it has to be better then the dexcool.

[Camaro Dom]

i dunno bobby, i'm just sayin tho, when i took off my old water pump, it didnt have a spot of rust on it. it looked brand new. i really cant argue with that...
now keep in mind, anything with water in it is gonna make metal rust, its not just the orange stuff, so anything you spray on the motor will do that. perhaps if you let the dexcool dry it'll just leave an orange residue? just a thought...

[V6Bob]

Some people have problems with Dexcool, some (like me, 5yrs/60,000 miles, original fill looks excellent) don't. My theory (only that) is that Dexcool is very sensitive to contamination. Keep the system closed, add only distilled water (absolutely nothing else) and I think it lasts. Get any crud in there, like from a little dirt or tap water or any additive, and it destructs.

[96RS Alex]

After reading this thread I have to mention that I am still using Dex-Cool in my system. Plus my vehicle rolled past 200K recently without any problems. I havent overheated or changed the thermostat to 160* or 180* either.

I am still waiting for the waterpump to exhibit any signs of problems so I can make the switch to the green stuff but my Dex-Cool conclusion is that it actually does a great job keeping my engine happy and cool in my opinion. Time will tell.

[RicE-ter]

i dont know the difference with color but if you regularly change the coolant, among other fluid, ul never really need to change ne of the hoses- i plan to change mine, im coming up on 40k soon. sorry if i stated the obvious

[Jenny]

I work at a reputable mechanic shop and we hate the orange coolant. If someone wants a coolant flush, we practically won't let them put that orange stuff back in. I had it in my old car and it blew the intake gasket. We have many cars come in with leaking coolant and first question we ask is if they have Dexcool. Bottom line: it sucks.