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Topic: Orange Coolant

in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems


Orange Coolant

Posted: 8/12/08 5:31am Message 1 of 24
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METAIRIE, LA - USA
Joined: 6/7/2007
Posts: 144
Vette(s): 1979 BLACK COUPE

I have been using the 5 year orange coolant in my C3, did I make a bad decision.  I have had it in the car for some time now.  GM stuff.  I have the system down right now, so I can go back to green if I should.




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Orange Coolant

Posted: 8/12/08 11:43am Message 2 of 24
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Manteca, CA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2005
Posts: 3623
Vette(s): 1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold 1975 L48 4 speed
Hi Joe, I'm not an expert on this, but I used the orange stuff for a while cause it claimed to be universally compatible (aluminum or iron blocks) and I have several different cars, and it seemed to disappear in the system, with or without leaks Confused. After hearing some negative info on orange, I switched back to a universally compatible green formula and all is well. I don't know, but I don't have any use for it. I'm a Prestone kinda guy Big%20smile. Good quality, no guessing.


Orange Coolant

Posted: 8/12/08 11:54am Message 3 of 24
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COPPERAS COVE, TX - USA
Joined: 7/6/2002
Posts: 417
Vette(s): 1972 corvette stingray convertible 2007 coupe
I have used it in another vehicle and had problems with leaks, went back to green and problem solved. Unless the vehicle came with it, I'd stay green. My  2 cents.


Orange Coolant

Posted: 8/12/08 12:57pm Message 4 of 24
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Dorr, MI - USA
Joined: 8/21/2002
Posts: 2581
Vette(s): 71 Colonnade Hardtop Coupe Torch Red with black interior originally L48 built to push around 360hp
Joe. There is a thread somewhere here talking about the disadvantage of using Dex-cool. In a nutshell, even the newer GM cars with Dex-Cool are having serious problem with intake leaks, and the stuff turning to mud, etc. There is absolutely no advantage in using Dex-Cool or any other long life antifreeze in an older car that should be flushed and filled every 2-3 years regardless of whats in it.
I say this by years of experience in this field.      Go green



Orange Coolant

Posted: 8/12/08 1:41pm Message 5 of 24
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
For the most part, about the only advantage the non-ethlene glycol (green stuff) has is that it's less toxic should an animal drink any dripping or spillage.  Not that's it's non-toxic, simply less toxic.

Unless the car manufacturer specifies Dex-Cool or something other than ethlene-glycol, I wouldn't use it.



Orange Coolant

Posted: 8/12/08 1:43pm Message 6 of 24
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METAIRIE, LA - USA
Joined: 6/7/2007
Posts: 144
Vette(s): 1979 BLACK COUPE

Thanks Terry, this is the kind of info I need.  I have had the orange stuff, GM, in the car for a while and have had my share of small leaks, some I could never find, was trying to extend the flush interval.  When I bring the system back up I will refill it w/ just water and run it for a while and drain, hopefully that will get rid of most of it.  Will go back green, what brand do you recommend and how often should I flush?  Keep in mind this car sits allot, but other than right now I run it every two weeks, no longer than three at the most.

 

Just changed the harmonic balancer and saw obvious signs that the water pump had been leaking from the lower weep hole for quiet some time.  Pulled pump and all hoses.  Not going back w/ the heater hoses, just 4 more points to corrode and leak.  Planning on filling the heat core w/ coolant mix and run a hose from tube to tube which is going to be fun.  I don’t want the heater core to go bad unless you think I should just drain it?

 

79FOREVER2008-08-12 13:45:24


Orange Coolant

Posted: 8/12/08 2:24pm Message 7 of 24
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Dorr, MI - USA
Joined: 8/21/2002
Posts: 2581
Vette(s): 71 Colonnade Hardtop Coupe Torch Red with black interior originally L48 built to push around 360hp

Hey Joe. As I posted in Heater Hoses, its not a bad idea to leave a little coolant in heater to keep it from drying out. Make sure you use a mixture, because believe it or not straight antifreeze is very corrosive. As far as Dex, it is ethylene glycol with different rust inhibitor package than green. Dex uses what is called O.A.T. or Organic Acid Technologies, where green uses silicates. If you want to know facts about Dex, Google Dex-Cool lawsuits and see what comes up. My favorite pics are http://www.sancarlosradiator.com/dex-cool_pics.htm




Orange Coolant

Posted: 8/12/08 6:33pm Message 8 of 24
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METAIRIE, LA - USA
Joined: 6/7/2007
Posts: 144
Vette(s): 1979 BLACK COUPE

Well I can say my hoses don't look nothing like that, they were very clean.  A little residue in the radiator.  Will runing w/ clear water remove what is left in the motor?  Printed the info, will read soon.  If needed, I will flush in 6months again just to get it out of the system. 

79FOREVER2008-08-12 18:34:16


Orange Coolant

Posted: 8/12/08 7:07pm Message 9 of 24
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Dorr, MI - USA
Joined: 8/21/2002
Posts: 2581
Vette(s): 71 Colonnade Hardtop Coupe Torch Red with black interior originally L48 built to push around 360hp
I think if you flush the system real good until the water comes out clear you should be OK. You really don't want to run with just water for very long. Plain water has a lower boiling point, plus you need the rust inhibitors. Make sure you mix antifreeze at least 50/50. Actually I prefer around 60-70% antifreeze. Its not a bad idea to use distilled water especially if your water has a lot of minerals in it.Wink


Orange Coolant

Posted: 8/13/08 5:43am Message 10 of 24
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METAIRIE, LA - USA
Joined: 6/7/2007
Posts: 144
Vette(s): 1979 BLACK COUPE

My camaro, the wifes car ,always call for distilled.  So the best thing is for me to do a flush w/ the mix correct, not just clear water?  What brand coolant do you recommend?  




in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems


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