Coolant Flush

I suppose my '01 SL with 30k/miles is due for a coolant flush'n'fill
although the reservior is at normal level.
Valvoline center has a $40 special but 3 blocks away Midas wants $110.
WTF?

 

The factory coolant is "DEX-COOL" which is a long life product.
Before changing, have the coolant ph tested, to see if it is still good.
Of the ph is normal and the coolant is clean, there is no need to change it.
Our '00 had 160,000km on it when tested last year, and it was still within
spec.

Good luck,
David

 

Personally I would never keep coolant in my car for 6 years.
Especially Dexcool! Regardless of mileage and what ever litmus test
you want to use, get that junk out of there, flush the system with
water, no chemicals. Then add 1 gal of the good old 'green stuff'. I
prefer the green Prestone that can be 'used in any car' . Then flush
and fill every two years.

James

 

We've discussed this here before in the past... There is nothing wrong
with Dexcool. "Good OLD green stuff" was fine when everything was
copper, iron, or brass. It no longer has a place in systems containing
aluminum.

 

The NEW 'good old green stuff' will work fine with aluminum, read the
jug...

James

 

Another thing I remember, my dad had an early 60's small Buick Skylark
for about 10 years. The V8 that was in that car had aluminum heads, I
don't recall any special coolant we used for it. I don't recall any
special coolant even available.

James

 

Yeah well I don't recall Dexcool eroding away heater core pipes and
water necks. I don't recall Dexcool leaving pock marks on aluminum
sealing surfaces either. However I do see that all the time on cars with
green coolant. I don't care what the jugs say; modern green coolants
still continue to attack aluminum.