When did GM stop using Dex-cool?

Dex-Cool, which is made by Texaco, is being used exclusively by General Motors in some buildout 1995 models and all 1996 cars and trucks except Saturn and Geo. GM postponed using Dex-Cool in Saturn cars until the 1997 model year because it did not have enough data to make use of the new coolant possible in 1996 models.

What causes Dex-cool to 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 corrosive?

Ten years after General Motors began using Dex-Cool as an antifreeze in most of its cars and light trucks, GM car and truck owners continue to complain that the coolant corrodes and clogs radiators and radiator caps, erodes water pumps, rots radiator hoses, causes chronic overheating and engine damage while leading to …

Should you mix Dex-Cool antifreeze with water?

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. I mix it with distilled water and some water wetter from Redline. GM service procedures simply state ‘clean drinking water’.

What happens if you use regular antifreeze instead of Dex-cool?

Firstly, Dex-Cool and traditional anti-freeze don’t mix well. Though they can work together in a pinch, after extended use, they can react and create a gel, which can be very damaging to multiple components of your cooling system. For that reason, the best thing for your Chevy or GM vehicle is to stick with Dex-Cool.

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 does it mean when your antifreeze turns brown?

Coolant that is still doing its job to protect your engine can be any variety of colors from green to red to orange, but the key is that it will be translucent. When it’s past its prime, it will become a brownish color and more opaque. If it’s in really bad shape, it will be a sludgy brown.

Does Dexcool damage your engine?

It’s supposed to last 5 years or 150,000 miles, but there have been problems with this coolant. Cooling systems that use Dexcool exhibit more acid buildup and rust in the system when the coolant level gets low and oxygen is allowed to enter the system. The acid eats away at head gaskets and intake gaskets.

Why does GM use orange antifreeze?

The orange coolants are organic acid technologies (OAT). These were created for newer vehicles that had more nylon and aluminum parts in them. OAT coolants use organic acids in order to prevent corrosion.

How much water do you add to Dex-cool?

Maintenance Tips/Suggestions With DEX-COOL®, the maximum ratio of antifreeze to water is 60/40. Although DEX-COOL® type antifreeze can be mixed with standard ethylene glycol antifreeze, DEX-COOL® loses its 5 yr./225,000 life. As such, it’s best not to mix antifreeze types unless absolutely necessary.