Topic: dex-cool
in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems
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I have a 1977 L82 with the original engine. While away on vacation my son noticed antifreeze leaking and not knowing any better added dex-cool to top off the system. Now I am being told that dex-cool will react with green antifreeze causing sludge and possibly attacking the copper. My question, what is the best way to completely flush the system and how much antifreeze will it take to refill the system. I will appreciate any help.
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
I don't know about attacking copper, but I know aluminum components are particularly susceptible to problems with a Dex-Cool/ethylene glycol mix.
Best thing is to completely back flush the cooling system until you get nothing but clear water flowing....then I'd do it again just to make sure. You might also consider changing the hoses.
Cars with aluminum engines seem to have the most trouble with the two types of coolant mixed and it cost GM a lot of trouble when Dex-Cool was first introduced. The public and many techs were unaware of the issues involved and would mix the two coolants causing clogs and blown engines. You can Google Dex-Cool problems and find tons of sites talking about the problems. Some of the info may not be accurate as many blamed Dex-Cool for all sorts of problems.
Once the system is completely clean, you're probably OK with using either type exclusively but take care not to mix them.
Flushing the system out is the way to go..doing it with a good prestone flush is an added bonus..you can't change the coolant to much..I like the kind that go in the water pump hose..I get a extra piece of hose so I don't have to cut the factory pieces..then let the water run..its always best to catch the first couple of gallons so it doesn't pollute everything..it gets real slippery also..may be a thing to take to a shop that has a flush tool also..BG is one to look for since they have a machine to do it with..shouldn't be hard to find one..
Rich
Rich
My first parade at Carlisle 2010
Lifetime MemberIndianapolis, IN - USA
Joined: 9/3/2006
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Vette(s): Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed
Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses.
2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible
[QUOTE=yostusota]BG is one to look for since they have a machine to do it with..shouldn't be hard to find one..
Rich[/QUOTE]
Rich[/QUOTE]
BG?
I wanted a Corvette my whole life, but I never dreamed of all the wonderful people I would meet because of it!
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When I replace the copper and brass radiator in my LT-1 with a DeWitt aluminum, I asked Tom what kind of coolant to use. He said it really didn't matter but stressed using distilled water. Not tap water and especially not soft tap water.
in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems
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