Coolant recommendations?

[ElAviator72]

Hi,

We're preparing to take a huge road trip this summer (3000+ miles) and the truck is coming up on 75k miles. Everything is running well, but we're going to be taking the truck through some challenging places (the Grapevine in California, Soldier Pass in Utah, etc.) in the middle of summer. I'm thinking that since we haven't touched the cooling system since we bought the truck used with 23,000 miles, a pre-emptive coolant change/flush isn't a bad idea.

Should I keep using dex-cool, or is the good old fashiooned green goop better? I know earlier GM engines had issues if you allowed the cooling system to go to the recommended 100k miles on Dex-cool...

 

[ScarabEpic22]

Just use Dex Cool, there will be someone who chimes in saying it sucks, clogs everything up, etc. It's FINE. As long as you DONT mix it with green stuff, you'll be fine. My 02's got 139k on it, flushed the coolant around 100-110k and not a single problem. Swapped a gallon or so in my SS when I swapped tstats, but it only has 43k on it.'

Make sure you do diff(s), transfer case (if applicable), check brake/power steering levels and do an oil change relatively close to your trip.

 

[ElAviator72]

Make sure you do diff(s), transfer case (if applicable), check brake/power steering levels and do an oil change relatively close to your trip.

We did the transfer case and the diffs at 50k...good to go there

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Make sure you do diff(s), transfer case (if applicable), check brake/power steering levels and do an oil change relatively close to your trip.

We did the transfer case and the diffs at 50k...good to go there

 

[CaptainXL]

Should I keep using dex-cool, or is the good old fashiooned green goop better?

As Erik said, stick with Pennzoil or GM Havoline Dexcool to keep things uncomplicated. Our system is designed to use it.

I know earlier GM engines had issues if you allowed the cooling system to go to the recommended 100k miles on Dex-cool...

Actually the recommended interval is 5 year or 150K miles. Whichever comes first.

...I will let you in on a little secret..

Most people have problems with their thermostat sticking right around the 5 year mark. As a matter of simplifying maintenance it is recommended to change the thermostat at the same time the coolant is drained. The only way to fully drain the coolant from the block is to remove the thermostat housing. So get a new thermostat and replace it at the same time and save the cost of draining the coolant again down the road. Some people go further than that and replace the water pump as well. I have 128K on my engine and will be replacing the thermostat and hoses within the next couple days. It's been sticking open a bit for some time.

 

[Fire06]

I agree Dexcool is what is used. If you are doing this big trip might be an idea to change the tranny fluid and filter

 

[ScarabEpic22]

Good point on the thermostat, if you're going through the hassle of draining the coolant it might be a good time to swap the tstat out too. (Then again my 02 has the original tstat with 139k on it, original fan clutch too. No idea how that happened.)

Trans was what I was forgetting, knew it was something major.

 

[Mooseman]

For any automatic vehicle, it's always a good idea to add an auxiliary tranny cooler, whether you tow or not.

Oh, along with the Dexcool, it doesnt hurt to add a bottle of Water Wetter. Fluid change all around is good insurance, especially the transfer case which has a short maintenance interval and can be damaged if neglected.

 

[triz]

For any automatic vehicle, it's always a good idea to add an auxiliary tranny cooler, whether you tow or not.

Oh, along with the Dexcool, it doesnt hurt to add a bottle of Water Wetter. Fluid change all around is good insurance, especially the transfer case which has a short maintenance interval and can be damaged if neglected.

The Dexcool is good a buy at under 15 bucks/ dilute with distilled water did mine at 100k as recommended by the dealership. That will give two gallons versus buying the diluted at 13 dollars.

Amsoils Coolant Boost is also a great product. compared to the Water Wetter
There coolant is good for up to seven years or 250,000 miles in passenger cars, light-duty trucks, vans and recreational vehicles.

 

[meerschm]

even tho you asked about coolant, I have to throw in free advice to check the tires and brakes. (and see if you can get the spare down, and make sure it is in good shape and properly inflated.) make sure you know where all the jack parts are too.