Topic: Coolant Type?
in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems
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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.
Close to turning the key again after my little winter project.

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Duncanville, TX - USA
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Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
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#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
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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. 

Joel Adams
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[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.

Thanks Joel. I didn't even think about that with the aluminum radiator.
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
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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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.
my7T1 2008-05-17 07:03:28
Confused yet? http://www.filtercouncil.org/techdata/tsbs/05-2.html
Just my .02
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.
in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems
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