What year did GM stop using Dex-cool?

What year did GM stop using Dex-cool?

Dex-Cool, which is made by Texaco, is being used exclusively by General Motors in some buildout 1995 models and all 1996 cars and trucks except Saturn and Geo. GM postponed using Dex-Cool in Saturn cars until the 1997 model year because it did not have enough data to make use of the new coolant possible in 1996 models.

How long does GM DexCool last?

The maximum change interval for ACDelco GM OE Dex-Cool is 5 years, or 150,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

Is DexCool still a problem?

GM still uses Dex-Cool coolant and there is no longer a problem with gasket coolant interaction. So contrary to the ranting, DexCool IS the recommended coolant for GM engine.

How long does Dex-Cool antifreeze last?

5 years
The idea was simple really Dex-Cool lasts longer than traditional antifreeze. In fact, most owner’s manuals put the change interval at 5 years or 100,000 miles or even longer for Dex-Cool.

Is green antifreeze better than Dexcool?

Dex-Cool uses a combination of organic acids as its corrosion inhibitors (OAT – Organic Acid Technology). GM believes that it provides better corrosion protection than regular green coolant for cooling system composed of different metals (primarily iron, aluminum, and brass), and provides a longer 5-year service life.

What can I use instead of Dex cool?

I recommend Yellow. Prestone extended life. Either 50/50 or cut it yourself with distilled. It is GM certified as a DEX Cool replacement and can be mixed with Dex Cool (don’t mix it outright, drain it, just that what does not drain out it’s ok when it intermixes).

Does Dex Cool have a shelf life?

Shell DEX-COOL® Extended Life Coolant has a shelf life of at least 8 years. Concentrate product should be mixed before use.

What causes Dexcool sludge?

Dex-Cool sludge is caused by oxidation A faulty radiator cap, coolant additives and stop leak products, mixing a different coolant into Dex-Cool, running low on coolant or using Dex-Cool in an engine not approved for its use can all cause oxidation and corrosion that forms as a sludge.

Can I switch from Dexcool to green coolant?

If you want to change over to the traditional coolant from Dexcool (I would, I’ve gotten to see some of the damage it’s done on fairly new vehicles) then you need to flush the system. How I’ve seen shops do this is to start the car up and let the engine run a bit to build the coolant pressure.

Can I add new coolant to old coolant?

There is no problem with just topping up the coolant. You can add the coolant without flushing out the old. However, with time, the older coolant becomes acidic. This can cause corrosion, and afterward, can cause defects in the cooling system.

Does antifreeze degrade over time?

Yes, engine coolant does go bad. Older fluid may cause acid buildup, may become contaminated by rust or scaling, and may have reduced resistance to boiling and freezing. Deteriorated coolant/antifreeze may cause your engine to run hotter than normal or keep the engine from starting in colder temperatures.