Dexcool vs. Universal coolant

[falconbrother]

What's your thoughts on mixing universal coolant with Dexcool orange? The label on the universal says it can be mixed with any coolant of any make. I personally don't feel good about it. But, out on the road it could be a body's only choice..

[Charlie_D_]

There were some issues with Dexcool in the past but I have not seen anything negative about it in recent years. Lots on information claiming different reasons but I believe many of them were speculation by different "experts". I have seen more of them saying that there was incompatibility issues with plastics and gaskets used in the cooling system.

I have owned 10 different Chevrolet cars and trucks in 40 years- 3 Duramaxs-and neither I or anyone I know have ever had an issue. Keep air out of the system, level correct and a radiator cap that does not allow air to be sucked into the system.

[theoldwizard1]

Cobra21 wrote:
I have flushed my Buick (Dexcool) and refilled with an anti freeze of my choice.
Brian

Good tip !

Several things can cause Dexcool to turn into SLUDGE and severely affect cooling or interior heat.

I either use the "old fashioned" green coolant (after a good chemical flush and double rinse) or stay with the exact OEM replacement.

Motorcraft coolant is NOT that expensive, but it is typically only carried by the "old fashioned" auto parts stores. I have exceeded the recommended replacement period by years and have had no issues.

[ExxWhy]

#1Flyboy wrote:
Dexcool was a disaster in the 4 & 6 cylinder engines but not in the 8 cylinder engine and I cannot tell you why...

It is? I didn't know that. Better get it out of the wife's 6 cylinder car, it's not too late after 10 years and 300k miles is it?

[Cobra21]

I have flushed my Buick (Dexcool) and refilled with an anti freeze of my choice.
Brian

[rhagfo]

NAPA carries Dex-Cool, they seem to be all over the place.

[colliehauler]

I had a old Blazer that I did mix the two. The coolant turned brown in the system. Seem to cool just fine and did not have any issues that I'm aware of after several years.

I will never mix the two again. Just don't care for brown (color of mud) coolant.

[Huntindog]

falconbrother wrote:
What's your thoughts on mixing universal coolant with Dexcool orange? The label on the universal says it can be mixed with any coolant of any make. I personally don't feel good about it. But, out on the road it could be a body's only choice..

If on the road and you cannot locate Dexcool.... Just use water. Take care of it as soon as you get into a town that has Dexcool.

Short term, that is the least troublesome option.

[Grit_dog]

You’re opening up another rvnet science project.....
Just carry a gal of dex cool if you are anticipating issues

[_1Flyboy]

What have you got & what are you attempting to change antifreeze in? Dexcool was a disaster in the 4 & 6 cylinder engines but not in the 8 cylinder engine and I cannot tell you why... There’s only so many manufacturers of antifreeze but LOTS of different labels...Have you gone to a reputable radiator repair facility ( dying trade )...For me, I’d want to know your vehicle, mileage, what you’re trying to do, prior maintenance, and any issues you’re now experiencing....Long life antifreeze is the way to go. Another thing I’ve seen over the years is people draining a very dirty cooling system & then fill with an insufficient amount of antifreeze & expect superior results, not gonna happen....

[azdryheat]

From the story I just read: If it's green DON'T. Green does NOT mix with the Orange, it turns the mixture into a gel and no longer cools. LINK