Coolant

Hello I just got my new to me 2000 5.7 tahoe. I bought it from a dealer who was supposed to replace the radiator before delivering it to me. They replaced the radiator but when I looked in the coolant recovery tank it looked clear and in fact I'm pretty sure its water. I called and asked and they said it would take time for the water in the tank to blend with the coolant. Sounded like bs but i waited until the engine cooled and looked in the radiator and that fluid is clear. I'm pretty certain they screwd me just o save a buck on coolant but was wondering if there was any possibility to their claim? Unfortunately they're an hour away so I can't just go back to complain I guess I will need to drain the entire system. Can anyone tell me the location of the block drains? Thanks

Hello I just got my new to me 2000 5.7 tahoe. I bought it from a dealer who was supposed to replace the radiator before delivering it to me. They replaced the radiator but when I looked in the coolant recovery tank it looked clear and in fact I'm pretty sure its water. I called and asked and they said it would take time for the water in the tank to blend with the coolant. Sounded like bs but i waited until the engine cooled and looked in the radiator and that fluid is clear. I'm pretty certain they screwd me just o save a buck on coolant but was wondering if there was any possibility to their claim? Unfortunately they're an hour away so I can't just go back to complain I guess I will need to drain the entire system. Can anyone tell me the location of the block drains? Thanks

They must have given you atleast a 30 day warranty. One hour drive or not, take it back and tell them to put proper coolant in it and flush all the water out.

I hope to hell you don't live where the temp goes to and below the freezing mark because that engine will freeze overnight and you can start repairs by replacing burst frost plugs (If you're lucky).

GM uses Dexcool coolant but you can (with a thorough cooling system flush) also replace that with the old standard green coolant. Use a 50/50 mix coolant/water. Just do not mix Dexcool with another coolant as they are not compatible.

They must have given you atleast a 30 day warranty. One hour drive or not, take it back and tell them to put proper coolant in it and flush all the water out.

I hope to hell you don't live where the temp goes to and below the freezing mark because that engine will freeze overnight and you can start repairs by replacing burst frost plugs (If you're lucky).

GM uses Dexcool coolant but you can (with a thorough cooling system flush) also replace that with the old standard green coolant. Use a 50/50 mix coolant/water. Just do not mix Dexcool with another coolant as they are not compatible.

Let me add: I'm not certain if there are or where the block drains are as my '02 Tahoe (5.3L) isn't here so I can't check the Haynes manual I have for it.

Well I'm pretty sure the dealer screwed me on this. When I called they couldn't give me a straight answer and kept trying to say as I drive the fluid would mix in and turn more orange. What a bunch of BS. I'm having it flushed and filled properly and giving them the bill (and making a scene if they try not to pay it) As for now its n my garage where it will be warm enough not to freeze up. I guess chevy dealers are so hurting they'll try to cut corners wherever they can.

Well I'm pretty sure the dealer screwed me on this. When I called they couldn't give me a straight answer and kept trying to say as I drive the fluid would mix in and turn more orange. What a bunch of BS. I'm having it flushed and filled properly and giving them the bill (and making a scene if they try not to pay it) As for now its n my garage where it will be warm enough not to freeze up. I guess chevy dealers are so hurting they'll try to cut corners wherever they can.

I'm sorry to hear that you have been screwed by the GM dealership...haven't we all...You are correct to have this work done correctly at a recommended service centre that will provide professional service..Rather than have them screw it up ...

If they refuse to pay for the coolant service ,you could possibly go to small claims court and recover any costs...if available where you live..

Sounds like it wasn't a GM dealer you bought it from...they're not usually that stupid or ignorant...usually.

Yes, do a complete flush of the green stuff before replacing with the orange Dex-Cool. The two do not intermix at all.

[quote=jdmccright]Sounds like it wasn't a GM dealer you bought it from...they're not usually that stupid or ignorant...usually.
quote]

this is more likely a rip off .....not ignorance....

Unfortunately it was in fact a chevy dealership and I'm fairly certain they tried to do this to save a buck figuring I lived an hour away and they could get a way with it. Too bad for them because I have to go back there to pick up my plates and registration. When I do I will have my bill in hand and i'm not leaving without reimbusement. I will also complain to the BBB and consumer affairs as well. Avoid Mall Chevrolet in Cherry Hil NJ like the plague!

Unfortunately it was in fact a chevy dealership and I'm fairly certain they tried to do this to save a buck figuring I lived an hour away and they could get a way with it. Too bad for them because I have to go back there to pick up my plates and registration. When I do I will have my bill in hand and i'm not leaving without reimbusement. I will also complain to the BBB and consumer affairs as well. Avoid Mall Chevrolet in Cherry Hil NJ like the plague!

Before you 'boil over' let me suggest you talk to the dealer manager and see if he/she can rectify the problem first.

If this doesn't produce the required result, contact the area rep of the GM dealership.

The 'rule of thumb' is to give the dealer three strikes before you call in the guard.

Foremost, get any and ALL communication in writing and have it signed.

Before you 'boil over' let me suggest you talk to the dealer manager and see if he/she can rectify the problem first.


Foremost, get any and ALL communication in writing and have it signed.

they will never put it in writing....what he needs is a witness, then the dealership will probably pay for the coolant service..

with that other person present there, the attitude will be much different..