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Topic: Coolant Type?

in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems


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Coolant Type? (1/7)
 5/16/08 6:27pm
Jeffm
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Sebago Lake, ME - USA

Vette(s):
1978 Silver Anniversary L82 4spd (M21) Red Leather. Pace Car is in the hands of a new caretaker.


Joined: 2/15/2007
Posts: 964

I know my old owners manual says something about using some GM whatever you call that stuff, but I was just wondering if one brand or another is better in these old Vettes? Basically, what's the best stuff out there today to fill her back up with. New DeWitt rad and drained and flushed the block too, so she's dry.
Close to turning the key again after my little winter project.
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Coolant Type? (2/7)
 5/16/08 6:51pm
Adams' AppleLifetime Member
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Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas


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Any name brand coolant/antifreeze will be fine. Get some that specifically states it is safe for use with aluminuminum, just to be 100% sure, and you'll be fine.

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Coolant Type? (3/7)
 5/16/08 7:03pm
Jeffm
Former Member

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Sebago Lake, ME - USA

Vette(s):
1978 Silver Anniversary L82 4spd (M21) Red Leather. Pace Car is in the hands of a new caretaker.


Joined: 2/15/2007
Posts: 964

[QUOTE=Adams' Apple]Any name brand coolant/antifreeze will be fine. Get some that specifically states it is safe for use with aluminuminum, just to be 100% sure, and you'll be fine. [/QUOTE]
Thanks Joel. I didn't even think about that with the aluminum radiator.
Coolant Type? (4/7)
 5/16/08 9:50pm
Ten15
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East Hanover, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
'68 Black Conv. Matching 327/300 4 Spd. P/S, P/B, P/W, Tele, A/C


Joined: 9/25/2004
Posts: 525

Jeff,
 
Past threads have not been kind to the Dex-Cool red antifreeze.
 
There were seal issues & gelling (when mixed w/ green) issues brought up.
 
Stick w/ Joel's reccomendations, any good brand will do, just keep it green.
 
I went with good ol' Prestone.
 
Anthony
Coolant Type? (5/7)
 5/16/08 9:55pm
dwright
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Victor, NY - USA

Vette(s):
2004 Commemorative Edition Coupe, Auto w/HUD. 13K miles in 2015. Sold 1982 Red Coupe


Joined: 7/12/2004
Posts: 6836

Not a good idea to mix brands. All those different additives don't like each other.
Pick a major brand and then stay with it.


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Coolant Type? (6/7)
 5/16/08 11:07pm
my7t1Lifetime Member
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Dorr, MI - USA

Vette(s):
71 Colonnade Hardtop Coupe Torch Red with black interior originally L48 built to push around 360hp


Joined: 8/21/2002
Posts: 2581

The rust inhibitor package in green anti-freeze is called silicone-silica. It was designed years back when radiator and other engine components were made from aluminum. Most all your leading brands contain this inhibitor. Matter of fact it probably all comes from the same boat. I'm sure past threads have explained the danger of using, or mixing green with Dex-cool. There is absolutely no advantage of using Dex in older (or newer) cars for that matter. I'm sure Joel or other wrench spinners have experienced what the cooling system looks like  after 100k miles or less when it hasn't been changed. 5 years or 150k mi, don't believe it. The biggest enemy to the cooling system is neglect. I recommend flushing and changing coolant every 2 years regardless of what's in it . The only thing to be aware of is warranties or extended warranties where it states "warranty void if Dex is replaced." There is extended life coolant on the market they say is compatible with all coolants, however I don't use it. When I service a car in my shop that needs all coolant flushed and replaced, I recommend green. Actually antifreeze color is a whole big can of worms we have to deal with everyday. Green has worked for a 100 years, why change.
 
Just my .02
my7T12008-05-17 07:03:28

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Coolant Type? (7/7)
 5/16/08 11:10pm
pdupler
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Fort Worth, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1969 Lemans Blue Coupe, 350/300 Automagic


Joined: 12/26/2007
Posts: 121

Its probably blashemy, but I swear by Toyota Red and tho I haven't changed the Corvette yet, I'm sure it would be fine.  Its supposedly specifically formulated for iron blocks with aluminum heads.  I've opened up a whole lot of salvage motors, and every Toyota with its original dark wine red coolant has been absolutely pristine inside, even at 25 years old.  Every motor I've ever opened with green coolant has had lots of corrosion, particularly to aluminum heads.  Local dealers often send coupons to Toyota owners for $12 to $14/gallon at the parts counter.  Its normally over $20/gallon.   Flush first, don't mix tho if you switch.
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