What causes Dex-Cool sludge? (Professionals recommend)

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.

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.

Why does my coolant look like mud?

Usually, it means that you have plain water in your cooling system. The brown is due to rusting in the engine cooling system, not good. Modern engines like coolant mixtures which contain various additives that prevent rust and corrosion, also lower the boiling point so that the engine can run hotter.

Why is Dex-Cool bad?

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. Rust builds up in the system, inhibiting coolant flow, which causes overheating.

How do I fix brown sludge in my radiator?

Fill the cooling system with antifreeze. Create a mixture of 50% water and 50% antifreeze. Fill the system with coolant and check for any leaks. Your radiator should now be free from sludge.

Can I use Prestone instead of Dex-cool?

Yes. Prestone’s Coolant/Antifreeze is guaranteed to be compatible with all cars, vans or light trucks. Thanks to its unique and patented formula, Prestone Coolant/Antifreeze remains the only coolant on the market that can be mixed with another product within the cooling system without causing damage.

Can you change from Dexcool to regular antifreeze?

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.

What are signs of a bad head gasket?

Bad head gasket symptoms

White smoke coming from the tailpipe.
BUBBLING IN THE RADIATOR AND COOLANT RESERVOIR.
unexplained coolant loss with no leaks.
Milky white coloration in the oil.
Engine overheating.

Why does my coolant look dirty?

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. This is what clean coolant looks like. If coolant is left to deteriorate, it can take its toll on your vehicle’s cooling system.

What is the brown gunk in radiator?

The brown stuff coming from the radiator is the corrosion and deposits that is built up in the cooling system. Then flush the system again and put in new coolant and the cooling system should be clean with no more brown debris or corrosion.

What can I use instead of Dex cool?

I recommend Yellow. Prestone extended life. Either 50/50 or cut it yourself with distilled. It is GM certified as a DEX Cool replacement and can be mixed with Dex Cool (don’t mix it outright, drain it, just that what does not drain out it’s ok when it intermixes).

Does Dex Cool eat gaskets?

if your using Dex Cool antifreeze, its eating away at your engines gaskets and cooling system components. it could also get inside your engine and mix with your oil from gaskets or alumiunm parts being eatin away from the dex cool.

How do I know if I have sludge in my radiators?

Symptoms of Sludge Build Up

Radiators are hot at the top, but cold at the bottom.
Radiators require bleeding more frequently.
Pipework to the radiators get hot, but the radiators themselves do not.
Some radiators do not heat up to the required temperature, even when the temperature is turned up.

What does sludge in the radiator mean?

Corrosion – occurs when an imbalanced coolant chemically reacts with metallic surfaces, forming reddish deposits that can appear as sludge or slime. Low-quality coolants can lead to cooling-system corrosion. The only way to definitively identify what’s causing sludge in your car radiator is to perform fluid analysis.

How do you know if your radiator has sludge?

Common Symptoms of Sludge Build-up

Radiators have patchy areas of warmth.
Radiators are cold at the bottom and middle.
Some radiators in a house fail to heat at all.
Radiators need bleeding regularly and you don’t know why.
Boiler keeps making strange noises.

What is Dex-Cool coolant?

Dex-Cool coolant is a trademark for a kind of coolant that is used in General Motors cars. In contrast to standard silicate-based coolant formulae, Dex-Cool coolant utilizes organic acid technology to deliver a longer service life. Besides freezing protection, Dex-Cool has anti-corrosion and anti-foaming compounds that help prevent galvanic activity and corrosion in a vehicle’s cooling system from occurring.

Also interesting: What is Dex-Cool coolant?

Is Dex-Cool bad?

When General Motors switched to Dex-Cool in its engines, the intake manifold gaskets in the same GM vehicles began to break at an alarmingly high rate. Class action lawsuits were filed, and General Motors offered to settle the cases. In the aftermath, Dex-Cool earned a dreadful reputation as a terrible coolant, and many businesses advised customers to remove Dex-Cool and replace it with a more long-lasting coolant.

Does Dex-Cool cause gasket damage?

No. It is true that the intake gaskets in General Motors vehicles failed at an exceptionally early stage. The hole in this gasket was not created by Dex-Cool in this particular instance. It’s a poorly thought-out design. a significant rate However, it was the faulty design of the intake manifold gasket, not the Dex-Cool, that was the main cause of the intake manifold gasket failure. Specifically, General Motors changed the gaskets on its intake manifolds to a plastic container with silicone sealing strips around the perimeter.

A theory has been floated, according to which the chemicals in the Dex-Cool weakened the plastic, gradually eating it away and creating the leak.

Is this, however, the fault of Dex-Cool or the result of the use of an incorrect type of polymer?

History proves that Dex-Cool does not damage gaskets

After years of speculation, it has been established that the leaks were caused by a poor gasket design, despite widespread denials from the Dex-Cool manufacturer. The General Motors Company went through multiple rounds of gasket redesign before coming up with a plastic composition that was effective. All factory fills continue to be made with Dex-Cool, and dealers are mandated to use Dex-Cool when doing service on GM vehicles. The number of failures dropped dramatically after the gasket change.

Does Dex-Cool cause sludge?

It is possible. Dex-Cool may oxidize when exposed to air or iron, resulting in the formation of ‘sludge.’ However, this is what happens when you ignore something. For the most part, the owners of those vehicles had a cooling leak, which caused the coolant levels to fall below the acceptable limits. In other words, it is not Dex-Cool that is the source of the sludge, but rather owner carelessness. In the year 2017, Rick Muscoplat is a professional musician. Rick Muscoplat posted a blog entry on

What Causes Brown Slime/Sludge in Radiator?

Have you ever been upon sludge? It’s the thick, brown-colored liquid that you can see when you open the cap on the radiator of your vehicle. It’s possible that you’ve noticed it now that you’ve realized your engine has been running hot. Your engine, on the other hand, most likely overheated as a result of sludge buildup. Because a faulty cooling system is one of the most common reasons of roadside breakdowns, it’s important to keep an eye on the state of your radiator. Ingredients– coolant is composed of a base (usually ethylene glycol or propylene glycol) combined with additives and water to form a solution.

All of these additives are intended to provide protection against corrosion, cavitation, and scaling.
A faulty head gasket or break in the cylinder head can enable oil and coolant to mix, resulting in sludge formation.
A leak in the system might cause coolant to get contaminated with transmission fluid.
Radiators, like the majority of the components in your engine, are constructed of metal.
As coolant degrades, it loses its protective properties, the PH levels fluctuate, and corrosion begins to form.
This muck can obstruct the flow of coolant via the lines, causing the engine to overheat and leak as a result of the blockage.
Dex-Cool — A coolant known as Dex-Cool is required by some cars.

Unfortunately, this innovative technology has not performed perfectly in accordance with its intended design purpose.

Because of the breakdown, a sticky and thick residue is left behind, similar to mud in consistency.

In the event that you see sludge accumulation in your car, we recommend that you get it professionally flushed with chemicals.

In this particular instance, the cooling system is not at fault.

These are only a few of the most common reasons for the slime or sludge that accumulates in your radiator.

We can assist you in determining whether there is a more significant reason of the accumulation and catching it before it causes a more major problem in your engine. Please contact us for a further check. Give us a call at Beyer Motor Works now to schedule an appointment.

Coolant; GM’s Dex Cool vs. VW’s G-12

Is sludge something you’ve seen? When you open the radiator cap on your automobile, you’ll notice a thick, brown-colored material dripping out. Now that you’ve realized your engine has been overheating, you could have sensed it as well. On the other hand, the sludge buildup in your engine is most likely to blame for the overheating. If you want to avoid a roadside breakdown, pay close attention to the state of your radiator because it is one of the most common culprits. Ingredients– coolant is composed of a base (usually ethylene glycol or propylene glycol) combined with additives and water to form a fluid.

In order to protect against corrosion, cavitation and scale, these additives must be used.
A faulty head gasket or break in the cylinder head might let oil and coolant to mix, resulting in sludge.
Coolant and transmission fluid may be contaminated as a result of a leak in the system.
All metal radiators, as well as the majority of other components in your vehicle’s engine Antifreeze is susceptible to degradation over time.
Eventually, corrosion will spread throughout the cooling system, including the engine, resulting in a buildup of rust, sludge, and scale.
Overheating and leaking can result in highly expensive repairs if they are not addressed promptly.
Instead of every two years, this coolant was created to survive five years longer than standard antifreeze, necessitating its replacement just once every five years.
As a result of the numerous complaints received by Consumer Affairs, it is suspected that Dex-Cool interacts with plastic sealing surfaces, causing the intake manifold to leak.
To eliminate the muck, a chemical flush is necessary.
A leaking intake manifold gasket can cause sludge to build up in the cooling system, which can cause the engine to overheat and overheat again.
When the intake manifold gasket is fixed, you will need to have your cooling system professionally flushed since the oily sludge that is left behind can cause expensive damage to the cooling system.

We can assist you establish if there is a more significant reason of the accumulation and identify it before it leads to a more serious problem in your engine through further inspection and testing. For more information, contact Beyer Motor Works now.

Is Dex-Cool To Blame For Chevy’s Intake Manifold Failure?

Have you ever seen any sludge? When you open the cap on your car’s radiator, you’ll notice a thick, brown-colored substance. It’s possible that you’ve noticed it now that you’ve noticed your engine has been running hot. Your engine, on the other hand, is most likely overheating as a result of sludge buildup. Because failure of the cooling system is one of the most common causes of roadside breakdowns, it is important to keep an eye on the condition of your radiator. A base (usually ethylene glycol or propylene glycol) is mixed with additives and water to form a coolant.

They are intended to protect against corrosion, cavitation, and scaling.
A faulty head gasket or crack in the cylinder head can allow oil and coolant to mix, resulting in sludge.
A leak in the system can cause coolant to be contaminated with transmission fluid.
Radiators, like the majority of the components in your engine, are made of metal.
As coolant deteriorates, it loses its protective properties, the PH levels fluctuate, and corrosion begins to form.
This sludge can obstruct the flow of coolant through the lines, resulting in the engine overheating and leaking coolant.
Dex-Cool is a coolant that is required by some vehicles.

Unfortunately, this new technology has not performed perfectly in accordance with the intended design purpose.

Because of the breakdown, a sticky and thick residue is left behind, similar to mud.

If you notice sludge buildup in your vehicle, we recommend that you take it to a professional for a chemical flush.

In this particular instance, the cooling system is not to be held responsible.

These are only the most common reasons for the slime or sludge that accumulates in your radiator.

We can help you determine if there is a more serious cause of the buildup and identify it before it causes a more serious problem in your engine through further inspection. Give us a call at Beyer Motor Works right away.

DexCool Coolant and the Intake Manifold Gasket∞

Have you ever seen sludge? When you open the radiator cap on your automobile, you’ll notice a thick, brown-colored liquid. It’s possible that you’ve discovered it now that you’ve recognized your engine has been overheating. Your engine, on the other hand, most likely overheated as a result of sludge accumulation. Because a faulty cooling system is one of the most common reasons of roadside breakdowns, it is important to keep an eye on the state of your radiator. Additives– coolant is made up of a base (usually ethylene glycol or propylene glycol) combined with additives and water.

These additives are intended to protect against corrosion, cavitation, and scale.
Contaminated coolant– A faulty head gasket or a damaged cylinder head can enable oil and coolant to mix, resulting in sludge.
A leak in the system has the potential to contaminate coolant with transmission fluid.
Radiators, like the majority of other components in your engine, are comprised of metal.
As coolant deteriorates, it loses its protective properties, the PH levels fluctuate, and corrosion begins to develop.
This muck can obstruct the passage of coolant via the pipes, causing the engine to overheat and leak.
Dex-Cool — Some automobiles require the use of a coolant known as Dex-Cool.

Unfortunately, this innovative technology has not performed totally in accordance with the intended design objective.

The residue left behind by the breakdown is very sticky and viscous, similar to mud.

If you see a buildup of sludge in your car, we recommend that you take it to a professional for a chemical flush.

In this particular instance, the cooling system is not to fault.

These are only the most common reasons of the slime or sludge that accumulates in your radiator.

We can assist you in determining whether there is a more significant reason of the accumulation and catching it before it causes a more serious problem in your engine. Give us a call at Beyer Motor Works today.

Federal Judge Rejects Dex-Cool Class Action Lawsuit∞

When a U.S. district court determined Friday that obtaining national class action status for a case against General Motors for concerns connected to its Dex-Cool coolant would be too hard, the campaign for nationwide class action status suffered a blow. Judge G. Patrick Murphy of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia dismissed the Dex-Cool class action, ruling that the scope of the class action, combined with the wide variety of state laws involved, made it impossible to consolidate all claims into a single national class action.

The class action claims that GM’s ‘Dex-Cool’ coolant, which was used in over 35 million GM vehicles manufactured from 1995 to 2004, caused serious car problems such as plugged radiators due to coolant sludge, as well as head gasket and intake gasket failure, which could have resulted in engine damage in some instances.

The legal firms involved are attempting to get national class action status on behalf of plaintiffs from 47 different states in the United States.

In November 2007, a second class action lawsuit will be tried in Missouri.

Dex-Cool Class Action Law Firms∞

When a U.S. federal court declared Friday that obtaining national class action status for a case against General Motors for concerns relating to its Dex-Cool coolant would be too difficult, the campaign for national class action status was halted. A class action lawsuit against Dex-Cool was dismissed by United States District Court Judge G. Patrick Murphy, who ruled that the scope of the lawsuit, along with the vast variety of state laws implicated, made it impossible to consolidate all claims into a single nationwide class action. GM car owners may be obliged to pursue claims against the company in statewide class actions or as individual lawsuits against General Motors if the ruling is upheld on appeal, according to the decision. It is claimed in the class action that GM’s ‘Dex-Cool’ coolant caused major automotive problems in over 35 million GM cars made from 1995 to 2004, including stopped radiators caused by coolant sludge, as well as head gasket and intake gasket failure, which might result in engine damage. Dex-Cool coolant was touted by General Motors as being good for 150,000 miles or 5 years before it needed to be drained and replaced with new fluid. Interested parties, including litigants from 47 different states, are being represented by the legal firms interested in the case. Multiple state-wide class-action claims have been filed, however two of them have already been dismissed in Michigan and California. In November 2007, a Missouri class action lawsuit will go to trial.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is a government agency that promotes traffic safety.

To DEXCOOL or not to DEXCOOL?

Deb1poet03-13-2005, 01:52 PM03-13-2005, 01:52 PM That, after all, is the question! Is it possible that I finally got your attention? I’m looking for real-world feedback on what you would put in your OWN automobiles, and I’m looking for it now. I’m not buying what General Motors claims; I’ve heard all the BS about it. KISS: Keep It Brief and to the Point: () Thanks Debpublic03-13-2005, 03:24 PM03-13-2005, 03:24 PM I switched to environmentally friendly fuel and have had no problems in either car since.

deb1poet03-13-2005, 05:34 PM03-13-2005, 05:34 PM Thank you for your response.:()blazee03-13-2005, 06:51 PMThank you for your response.:()blazee03-13-2005, 06:51 PM I made the switch to eco-friendly products.
To convert, you must first do a complete flush to ensure that all traces of the dexcool have been eliminated.
deb1poet03-13-2005, 08:32 PM03-13-2005, 08:32 PM Thanks Blazee I was planning on enlisting the assistance of a buddy, but now I’m thinking I should take it to my mechanic instead.
Deb: ()blazee03-13-2005, 08:46 PM03-13-2005, 08:46 PM It is possible that converting will void your warranty.
Antifreeze Prestone Flush ‘N Fill kit is priced at $4.
Turn on your heater and leave it running during the entire procedure.
Install the ‘T’ that came with the Flush ‘N Fill kit and follow the instructions that came with it to complete the installation.

Connect your water hose to the Flush ‘N’ Drain system.

Drain.

Keep adding water to the system over the following several days to ensure that all of the air has been removed from it.’97entrepreneur 13th of March, 10:50 p.m.

DexCool’s protection package is more suited for these engines, and as long as you keep up with it, you should have no problems with them.

The time now is 07:49 a.m.

In accordance with the study I have read, the ordinary green protects far better than Dexcool, owing to the presence of silicates in it.

AMI ran Dexcool in my aluminum radiator on the Eldo on the 14th of July, 2005, at 11:40 a.m.

Two separate mechanics with years of expertise, as well as my independent radiator and air conditioning business, where I’ve been coming for 25 years, all agreed that it was superior.

It was explained to me that it was the green substance that had traveled more than 50,000 miles in the system that was turning to jelly, not Dexcool.

This is what the proprietors of these three establishments have stated.

Unless there are more coolant replacement occurrences in the future, the cost difference is negligible when amortized on a per mile basis over the life of the vehicle.

on Thursday, March 14, 2005.

Despite the fact that General Motors (and a few individuals on this forum) deny it.

When Dexcool initially came out, Ford issued an announcement that they would not be using it in their engines since their tests showed that it damaged intake gaskets.

Because it is so readily contaminated, dexcool will not last any longer than the green stuff, despite the fact that it is supposed to do so in theory.

Chevrolet has released statements on this issue, noting that it is caused by air entering the system and blaming two primary causes: AC DELCO radiator caps were found to be defective, allowing the system to lose pressure and resulting in thousands of automobiles sludging up.

I understand you placing your faith in a business with whom you have been doing business for 25 years, but Dexcool has only been in business for 10 years, and the flaws do not manifest themselves immediately.

With a simple web search for ‘Dexcool,’ you may get loads of information regarding the advantages and disadvantages of dexcool.

on March 14, 2005.

deb1poet03-14-2005, 10:57 p.m.

Blazee, that was a really interesting read.

MoNsTeR’ImPaLa03-15-2005, 01:25 p.m.

Despite the fact that General Motors (and a few individuals on this forum) deny it.

When Dexcool initially came out, Ford issued an announcement that they would not be using it in their engines since their tests showed that it damaged intake gaskets.

Because it is so readily contaminated, dexcool will not last any longer than the green stuff, despite the fact that it is supposed to do so in theory.

With a simple web search for ‘Dexcool,’ you may get loads of information regarding the advantages and disadvantages of dexcool.

In addition to the film, Jay and Stede shared their own personal opinions regarding the study in their submission.

Here’s a rundown of what they said throughout their presentation.

Make sure the cooling system is fully stocked.

When the coolant level of a system is not maintained, problems might occur.

This is true even in the case of the specific issue automobiles.) 2.

Reduced coolant levels due to contamination and/or faulty caps result in overheating and increased coolant loss, resulting in the well-known vicious cycle.

In addition, on the ST vehicle types specified in the GM DEX-COOL video, you must replace any questionable radiator caps, particularly those with a Drop-Center design, with a Stant Model 10230 or 11230 radiator cap to ensure proper operation of the vehicle (Spring-Center type).

Check to see that the coolant and water are a 50-50 mix.

As a result, when a 50-50 mix is introduced into the system, the resulting mixture may be in the range of 30-70.

Low concentrations of inhibitors can induce pitting on aluminum surfaces as well as general corrosion of the metals used in the cooling system.

Not that I agree with it or disagree with it, but I believe the problem GM is experiencing is due to a poor gasket material.

MoNsTeR’ImPaLa03-15-2005, 01:27 p.m.

However, in order to return to DEX-COOL, the cooling system must first be completely emptied and washed out with fresh water.

10.

Since the batch’s inhibitor package is sufficiently robust, if the batch continues to give adequate freeze protection, it is likely that it is also giving adequate corrosion protection.

DEX-COOL is more resistant to the minerals found in hard water than standard chemical coolants that are silicated.

When the radiator cap is positioned at an angle to the ground in ST Blazer situations, the vehicle is more vulnerable to radiator cap contamination and the difficulties that might arise as a result of this contamination.

$$$blazee 15th of March, 2005, 02:16 PM Yes, that is exactly what it says.

deb1poet03-15-2005, 08:22 PM03-15-2005, 08:22 PM Monster There is no need for lengthy quotations.

You didn’t respond to my initial query, then?

Can’t make a decision?

Guys, please don’t all speak at the same time!: () Deb TonyMazz 22nd of March, 2005, 12:16 p.m.

When it comes to maintaining my puke tank (overflow tank), I do one thing that other people don’t: I keep it half-full at all times and replace my radiator cap once a year.

One car has 160K miles on it and has seen no difficulties.

The second car is brand new with only 20K miles on it, and the system is still in good condition.

The time is 11:45 a.m.

The entire premise of this article may be legitimate if you want to operate a fully charged system for 150,000 miles for some incomprehensible reason.

No one will have an issue if you follow these instructions.

Thank you very much for your responses!

The reason I flushed and went with green was that my cooling system was a mess when I purchased it and needed to be worked with a lot.

AlmostStock 2:00 a.m.

It now has 36,XXX miles on the odometer.

It is my intention to cleanse my system this summer and replenish it with Dexcool.

This device appears to be operating properly and has neither spilled coolant or enabled air to be sucked into the system.’ 97ventureowner On March 27, 2005, at 10:04 p.m.

It now has 36,XXX miles on the odometer.

It is my intention to cleanse my system this summer and replenish it with Dexcool.

It is clear that it is functioning properly and that no coolant has escaped or that no air has been sucked into the system.

It’s similar to purchasing an insurance policy to protect against early failure of the part.

What you wouldn’t believe is how many individuals I see flush and refill their systems without installing a replacement thermostat.

Some people claim that they don’t want to spend any more money than they absolutely have to, while others claim that everything is still operational. What guarantees do you have that the thermostat won’t break down tomorrow or next week? Automotive Network, Inc., Copyright Until 2022 –

Amazon.com: Irontite ThoroFlush (468-9110-16) : Automotive

Over 30% of new Gasoline Pumps fail because the technician did not thoroughly clean the fuel tank before installing the pump. Gasoline containing Ethanol causes an accumulation of Ethanol gel in fuel tanks. Scale and rust will build up on older steel tanks, which might cause a replacement gasoline pump to fail prematurely. It is difficult to clean off the residue left in the fuel tanks by biodiesel, and this residue can lead to difficulties throughout the fuel system. The majority of fuel pump and module problems are caused by debris or pollution in the fuel tank that has collected over time or during the removal and replacement process.

Both failure types result in decreased performance, early failure, or, in the worst case scenario, a long walk home from the office.
Because the vehicle’s original gasoline pump was fitted into a clean tank, the replacement pump should be installed into a clean tank as well in order to maintain the same level of performance.
82 percent of aftermarket gasoline pumps purchased are being placed into tanks that are possibly polluted, according to this estimate.
Fuel Tank Cleaning should be done according to the guidelines on the bottle.

Dex-Cool

I agree with some of the views expressed above, but not all of them. There are several issues. GM has had a couple engines that have experienced issues with dexcool in the past. Known problems with the intake manifold gaskets in relation to the dexcool were found in the 3100, 3400, and 3800 V6 engines, respectively. Several failures were reported as a result of the gaskets becoming damaged as a result of dexcool exposure. The 3800 had a makeover in 2003 to accommodate the Gen III engine, which included a new gasket.

In 2004-2005, the 3100 was phased out of service.
I had a 2002 Grand Prix that had a lower manifold gasket fail due to deterioration, which I had to replace.
You may also Google it up if you don’t believe the gasket failures are real.
DexCool has been linked to manifold gasket failures in both V8 and I4 engines, according to other reports on the internet.
In addition, I haven’t seen enough assertions to be confident that it’s real.
I6, I5, and DexCool are the most common.
The engines were both built to directly utilise the coolant, and they have demonstrated this throughout the course of their six-plus years on the market.

Taking Good Care of Yourself I completely agree with the remarks said above regarding upkeep and care. Use purified water instead of mixing green and red. If your system does not require it, do not FUDGE with it. These are the general guidelines I follow.

3.5 Coolant Confusion [Archive] – SaturnFans.com Forums

View the full version of this article: 3.5 Confusion Over the Coolant golftango 05.06.2009 09:33 a.m. My 2004 3.5L is approaching 5 years and 56K miles on the odometer. I’ve heard that the Dex-Cool is a complete waste of time. DexCool-type coolants, according to Honda and Toyota, are not permitted in their cars because the 2-EHA in DexCool softens plastic and has been linked to coolant channel gasket leaking in some vehicles. So, should I use the Honda type 2 coolant or should I remain with the Dex-Cool coolant?

Additionally, the engine coolant may need to be replaced sooner rather than later, at 30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months, whichever comes first.
In your car, always use DEX-COOL (silicate-free) coolant to keep it running smoothly.
on the 5th of June, 2009 In order to avoid being taken advantage of if something goes wrong, I would stick with the manufacturer handbook.
Don’t let the warranty folks off the hook unless you’ve received written confirmation that utilizing something is acceptable.
Before another hot argument regarding the advantages and disadvantages of Dexcool erupts, it is important to evaluate certain facts.
Nothing more than following established procedures is being done by you.
The worst-case scenario is that your cooling system breaks, but you haven’t done anything unusual and are thus within your rights to submit a claim for damages under the terms of your guarantee.

If you have an extended warranty coverage, you should stick with what you have.

Using Dexcool, Prestone, or universal coolant is permissible if your radiator does not have a radiator cap on it, or if the reservoir container does not have a pressure cap on it, the reservoir container with the pressure cap on the container.

An example of where Dexcool should not be utilized is when a radiator cap has been installed on the radiator and where the overflow container is not pressurized.

Owners either never removed their radiator caps to check for full coolant and never looked in the overflow container, or they looked at the overflow container and dismissed it because it was empty.

Dexcool will not clog if the radiator is kept completely full with water.

Dexcool will perform flawlessly.

I’m a fan of the new Dexcool.

What does it do if you mix Dexcool and Prestone other than reducing Dexcool’s efficacy from its 100,000 or 120,000 mile/5yr life to Prestone’s life, which is 2 years/24,000 miles?

If you decide to switch from one coolant to another, simply cleanse the cooling system once or twice before switching to the new coolant and everything will be OK.

No one will come to your assistance if you pick a different coolant while your cooling system is still under warranty and your (oh forbid!) cooling system breaks.

Tom92SCm 07:07 p.m.

If you utilize our coolant system design, air will not be trapped in the radiator when you drain and refill your coolant system, because the coolant expansion tank is the highest point in the system, correct?

I, on the other hand, chose greenery.

The trapped air will not remain trapped if the flushing is done with reasonable care, whether it is done with a radiator cap on the radiator or a pressure cap on the reservoir container.

HOT coolant is simply circulated, and trapped air is under pressure to escape out the nearest opening, such as an open radiator or reservoir container, and into the atmosphere.

Despite being 5 years old, my reservoir container is still clean, and I’ve never had to remove the cover for filling off because the container remains pressurized when the engine is running.

It is completely OK to swap coolants after the warranty period has expired because the onus of maintaining the vehicle rests with the owner.

The failure to maintain proper fluid levels or operating on a low fluid level created all of the problems with Dexcool.

Extreme situations resulting from poor maintenance that were not anticipated.

There’s just so much that can be done in terms of hand holding.

ssicarman On May 6, 2009, at 5:33 p.m., What about the so-called plastic softening concerns that 2-EHA has been bringing up?

People who are complaining about all of the plastic bits in their cooling systems that have become mushy may be found all over the place on this site.

ttreibel On May 6, 2009, at 5:47 p.m., Every other fall, I like to swap out the dexcool in all of my vehicles.

Never have any troubles with your cooling system.

160KB obbyP On May 6, 2009, at 7:42 p.m., There are no issues with Dex-cool in Saturns.

I’m going to use Dex-cool for at least another two years, if not longer.

The majority of the issues were with specific GM V6 engines, such as the 3.4L.

Here’s an article from 2006 that discusses Dex-cool issues.

In addition, I recently replaced the coolant in my car.

Many cycles of cold/hot/cold are used to cleanse the system of any remaining air.

It is critical to monitor the coolant expansion into the surge tank on a regular basis to ensure that the coolant is expanding when hot and contracting when cold.

It is critical to get the surge tank examined as soon as you notice that the coolant level does not change throughout a cycle.

DexCool-type coolants, according to Honda and Toyota, are not permitted in their cars because the 2-EHA in DexCool softens plastic and has been linked to coolant channel gasket leaking in some vehicles.

On DexCool, you may listen to horror stories.

Is it possible to put a flushing T in the 3.5 because of the heating hose routing?

An advertisement for Dex Cool was found in the manual labeling of my late-’95 Lumina APV, indicating that it had been installed.

It was always clean.

I purchased an S-Load (about 8-10 gallons) of Dex when I initially purchased the Lumina, at a cost of $2.24/gal at Target, and I used almost the whole load.

Furthermore, several of the items you mentioned just deteriorate with time as well.

The coolant expansion tank has also been known to break as a result of the cyclical pressure cycles that it experiences over its lifetime.

What is Honda type 2 coolant, and how does it work?

Originally, it was green, but Honda thought that the green didn’t stand out enough among the throng of other coolants, so they changed it to Vulcan Blood Blue to make it more noticeable.

It is preferable to use premixed coolants since there is no danger of mixing errors, and even though the water in the Bay Area is quite soft, distilled water is preferable to tap water.

Unless you drive more than 40,000 miles per year, we believe this is ridiculous.

chillin05VUE05-08-2009, 08:40 p.m.

There are no issues with Dex-cool in Saturns.

I’m going to use Dex-cool for at least another two years, if not longer.

The majority of the issues were with specific GM V6 engines, such as the 3.4L.

A issue occurred with my 1996 Cutlass with the 3.4-liter engine.

The system had been flushed, and the water was brown.

After that, my t-stat failed and remained open throughout the winter months (not fun in Washington).

I took it to a repair, where they discovered grease on the coolant sensor, which was causing the indicator to illuminate continuously.

Aside from that, I’m very certain that the head gasket was leaking, which is why I had oil in my coolant.

The green stuff worked perfectly in my ’93 Cavalier until someone informed me that DexCool was superior, at which point I began to experience overheating issues with the vehicle.

That vehicle traveled 160,000 kilometers.

Since the VUE has taken its place, the Cutlass has become someone else’s concern.

on August 5, 2009 I don’t believe that the Dex-Cool will be harmful in any way.

Although it is not necessary to flush the system fully, it is recommended that you do so in order to ensure that the Mopar G-05 specification coolant is used.

on September 5, 2009 in Bismarck, North Dakota.

Originally, it was green, but Honda thought that the green didn’t stand out enough among the throng of other coolants, so they changed it to Vulcan Blood Blue to make it more noticeable.

It is preferable to use premixed coolants since there is no danger of mixing errors, and even though the water in the Bay Area is quite soft, distilled water is preferable to tap water.

Unless you drive more than 40,000 miles per year, we believe this is ridiculous.

Very familiar with the Toyota red that I used to get from the dealer, which was fairly inexpensive at the time (but I bet they milk ya for it now).

I was able to complete the round journey to Georgia without incident despite the minor leak), since the cost replacing the water pump exceeded the market value of the car at the time.

Furthermore, several of the items you mentioned just deteriorate with time as well.

The coolant expansion tank has also been known to break as a result of the cyclical pressure cycles that it experiences over its lifetime.

That was my view of the situation, at the very least.

I didn’t conduct this repair since it was a rusty mess beneath that car, and I wasn’t sure what was leaking.

Whatever the case, it was a quick fix.:) Yes, it was the side of the tank facing the driver.

Despite the fact that it is powered by a Honda engine, General Motors is in charge of its maintenance, which is completely at odds with Honda’s recommendations.

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Sludge in rad common? – MX-5 Miata Forum

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Sludge in rad common?

Hi all,Started to find some sludge in the radiator (94′ with 110K) quick search online came up with the following on ehow;Corrosion is the most common cause of sludge build-up in a radiator. Radiators are made of metal. Over time, antifreeze degrades. As it loses its protective qualities, PH levels change and corrosion sets in. Once this begins, rust, sludge and scale build up through the entire cooling system, including the engine. The sludge can block the flow of coolant, causing the engine to overheat and leak. If left untreated, overheating and leaking can lead to very expensive repairs.When the intake manifold gasket leaks, oil can run into the cooling system causing sludge in the coolant. In this case, the cooling system is not to blame, but if it isn’t flushed properly when the intake manifold gasket is repaired, the oily sludge left behind can cause costly damage to the cooling system.Some General Motors vehicles require a coolant called Dex-Cool. This coolant is meant to last longer than regular antifreeze, only needing to be changed every five years instead of two. Unfortunately, this new technology has caused many headaches for the owners of these cars. Dex-Cool reacts with the plastic sealing surfaces, causing the intake manifold to leak. The residue left behind by the breakdown is very sticky and thick like mud. Only a chemical flush will remove the sludge.Have you found sludge and what did you do to fix it?

How to Remove Sludge From a Radiator

You can view the full version of this article here. Confussion Over Coolant Levels golftango 09:33 UTC on May 6, 2009 With 56K miles on my ’04 3.5L, I’m approaching the 5-year mark. Apparently, the Dex-Cool is a complete waste of time and resources. DexCool-type coolants, according to Honda and Toyota, are not permitted in their cars because the 2-EHA in DexCool softens plastic and has been linked to coolant channel gasket leaking. Which coolant should I use? Should I use the Honda type 2 coolant or should I remain with Dex-Cool?

As a result, it is possible that the engine coolant will need to be replaced sooner rather than later, at 30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months, depending on which comes first.
In your car, always use DEX-COOL (which is silicate-free).
Continue with your preferences after the extended warranty period.
5th of May, 12:47 p.m., fdryer It is important to evaluate certain facts before engaging in yet another heated argument regarding the benefits and drawbacks of Dexcool.
The only thing you’re doing is following accepted procedures.
The worst-case scenario is that your cooling system breaks, but you haven’t done anything unusual, so you are within your rights to submit a claim for damages under the terms of the guarantee you purchased.
If you have an extended warranty, you should stick with what you have.

Any coolant (Dexcool, Prestone, or universal coolant) can be used in place of a radiator cap as long as the radiator does not have a radiator cap on it, or in other words, the reservoir container does not have a pressure cap on it.

In situations when a radiator cap is installed on the radiator and the overflow container is not pressurized, Dexcool should not be utilized.

Simply put, owners never removed their radiator caps to check for full coolant and never glanced at the overflow container, or they looked at it but didn’t notice it was empty.

Dexcool will not clog if the radiator is maintained completely full.

Dexcool is going to function perfectly well for you.

New Dexcool is what I’m using right now.

What does it do if you mix Dexcool and Prestone other than reducing Dexcool’s efficacy from its 100,000 or 120,000 mile/5-year life to Prestone’s life, which is 2 years/24,000 miles?

If you decide to switch from one coolant to another, simply cleanse the cooling system once or twice before switching to the new coolant and everything will be great again.

In the event that you opt to use a different coolant while your product is still under warranty and your cooling system fails (as God forbid!

In the event that you file a claim for damages, how do you justify switching coolants when anybody may come back and question you why you used one type of coolant while the owner’s handbook says another?

on May 6, 2009.

Using our coolant system design, air will not be trapped in the radiator when you drain and refill your coolant system.

In addition, I recently replaced the coolant in my automobile.

5th of June, 2009, 01:52 p.m.

The trapped air will not remain trapped if the flushing is done with reasonable care, whether it is done with a radiator cap on the radiator or a pressure cap on the reservoir container.

Heat is simply circulated, and trapped air is forced to leave through the nearest opening, such as an open radiator or reservoir container.

Although my reservoir container is five years old, it has retained its clarity due to the fact that it has never needed to be topped off because the container is kept pressurized while the engine is running.

Changing coolants after the warranty has expired is totally acceptable because the onus of vehicle maintenance is on the owner.

With Dexcool, the failure to maintain proper fluid levels or operating on a low fluid level led everything to go wrong.

Inadequate maintenance resulted in unexpected and extreme consequences.

The amount of hand holding can only be so great.

ssicarman 5:33 p.m.

For the first time since 1996 1/2, Saturn has relied on Dexcool technology.

You might be able to locate anything, but I’m not optimistic.

on Friday, May 6th Each autumn, I like to replace the dexcool in all of my vehicles.

Have never had any issues with your cooling system it’s even cooler now that I’ve gone from 95 to dexcool 160KB obbyP 07:42 p.m.

In any of our General Motors vehicles that employ Dex-cool, I’ve had no difficulties.

Changing to a new coolant and having it not be compatible with the Dex-cool would be a source of concern to me.

The coolant does gel or turn into sludge in automobiles with leaky cooling systems because the coolant comes into touch with the air in the vehicle.

1saxman 08:22 p.m.

After all, the coolant expansion tank is the highest point in the system, correct?

My preference was towards environmentally friendly products instead.

In order for the coolant to expand and cool, air must make its way to the surge tank, where it is sucked into the system by additional coolant.

Dexcool’s life is prolonged by having a sealed system, which is shown by this indicator.

Bismarck31805-08-2009, 01:32 Bismarck31805-08-2009, 01:32 Bismarck A MG I was about to ask the same question until this was posted by a lad.

The Honda type 2 coolant is what it sounds like.

Asked about Dex Cool, the service department man grinned and stated the product was great, but he recommended keeping it clean (kinda like he was hiding something).

If so, how does it work?

It was modified quite a bit during the eight years I owned it, since every major component in the cooling system failed: heater core, thermostat, tranny coolant lines (including numerous gaskets), plastic radiator tank (which broke), radiator, and water pump.

While purchasing the Lumina, I picked up an S-Load (about 8-10 gallons) of Dex (for $2.24/gal at Target) which I utilized almost all.

In the cooling system, every key component had failed.

Furthermore, some of the items you mentioned just deteriorate with time.

Additionally, the coolant expansion tank has been known to break due to the cyclical pressure cycles that it experiences throughout its lifetime.

The coolant is Honda Type 2.

In my opinion, it is very identical to Toyota Red coolant in that it contains little silicate and is ethylene glycol-based (low silicate, high ethylene glycol content).

A coolant replacement is recommended every 120K miles according to Honda.

Every 2-3 years or every 30000 miles, we recommend changing Type 2 coolant.

on May 8, 2009.

In any of our General Motors vehicles that employ Dex-cool, I’ve had no difficulties.

Changing to a new coolant and having it not be compatible with the Dex-cool would be a source of concern to me.

The coolant does gel or turn into sludge in automobiles with leaky cooling systems because the coolant comes into touch with the air in the vehicle.

On a regular basis, I discovered sludge in several locations, including the recovery tank.

Because the rad cap was not sealing correctly, I had to replace it about 70k miles.

My low coolant indicator kept popping on over the summer, even though my coolant level was perfectly normal.

Fortunately, I’ve never had to replace the hoses, but I’m sure they were needed.

And this is all before driving 150,000 miles on DexCool.

When I returned to the green light, I was ready to go!

Those were the days when I was inexperienced; today I know better.

Max on the 8th of August, 2009, at 10:43 PM SL205.

Your VUE has a pressurized surge tank, an aluminum block engine, and IIRC the 3.5L utilizes a ‘dry’ lower intake gasket with no cooling channels in it, so practically all of the possible problems with Dex from the past are addressed in this situation.

coolant if you have one.

The time now is 12:47 a.m.

The coolant is Honda Type 2.

In my opinion, it is very identical to Toyota Red coolant in that it contains little silicate and is ethylene glycol-based (low silicate, high ethylene glycol content).

A coolant replacement is recommended every 120K miles according to Honda.

Every 2-3 years or every 30000 miles, we recommend changing Type 2 coolant.

When the water pump developed a minor leak after 135 kilometers, I drove it for a few thousand more kilometers as it was (which was silly since I could have been stranded).

I was able to complete the round journey to Georgia without incident despite the little leak), since the cost of the water pump exceeded the market value of the car at the time of the repair.

Furthermore, some of the items you mentioned just deteriorate with time.

Additionally, the coolant expansion tank has been known to break due to the cyclical pressure cycles that it experiences throughout its lifetime.

That was my view of the situation, at the very least.

Due to the fact that it was a rusty mess underneath the car, and I was confused as to what was leaking, I decided not to conduct the job.

It was a quick and easy remedy, at least in this case.

I’m curious how you discovered this.

What do you think? Isn’t this odd? whoa: This version of vBulletin® is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License (2000-2022).

Step 1

Place the automobile in a level parking space. Allowing the engine to cool will prevent you from being burned by the antifreeze when you drain it.

Step 2

Remove the radiator’s water supply. Identify where the drain plug is located on the underside of the radiator. Remove it from the radiator using a pair of pliers and let the contents to drain into a bucket or catch pan. Remove the radiator cap from the top of the radiator in order to accelerate the draining of antifreeze from the system. Waste coolant should be disposed of at a permitted disposal facility in your area. Please do not flush this down the toilet.

Step 3

Prepare to refill the radiator with new water. Remove the drain plug from the bottom of the radiator and the cap from the top of the radiator. Replace the drain plug and cap. Fill the coolant system with new water by funneling it into the coolant fill tube through the coolant fill tube.

Step 4

Start the car and leave it to run until the fan comes on, around 10 minutes. This signifies that the automobile has achieved a comfortable operating temperature, allowing water to flow through the engine block and flush out any antifreeze that may have remained.

Step 5

By removing the cap and drain plug from the radiator, you may drain the water from the radiator.

Step 6

Replenish the cooling system with tap water and the radiator cleaning chemicals provided in the flush package, according to the instructions on the box. The caustic chemicals contained in the flush package will remove any sludge that has accumulated at the bottom of your radiator’s bottom. Start the engine and let it run for the amount of time indicated on the flush kit (normally 10 minutes).

Step 7

Remove the radiator’s water supply. Remove the plug and cap from the socket. Fill a collecting container with the contents of the container and transport the chemicals to a permitted disposal site.

Step 8

Fill the cooling system with distilled water to prevent overheating. Mineral deposits will not be able to accumulate in the engine block or radiator as a result of this. Start the engine and let it run till the fan comes on, then shut it down and drain it again. Antifreeze should be added to the cooling system. 50 percent water and 50 percent antifreeze should be combined to make a solution. Fill the cooling system with coolant and inspect it for leaks. Your radiator should be clean of gunk at this point.

Hose, catch pan, socket set, pliers, screwdriver set, funnel, antifreeze, radiator flush kit, 1-2 gallon bucket of pure water Gloves that are disposable
Rags

Do not allow any children or pets to come into contact with the antifreeze solution. Make certain that any spills are cleaned up. Antifreeze has a nice taste to it, yet it is extremely toxic to animals. When working with caustic flush chemicals, always sure to wear gloves and eye protection.

Biography of the Author Joshua Black is a business writer, copywriter, and blogger who began his professional writing career in 2000. He has written for a variety of clients, including Fortune 500 companies. Small business, marketing, and sales are some of the themes he has written about in his countless eBooks and articles published on various websites and ezines that he has written about. He graduated with honors from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science in industrial design.