Antifreeze Question

[00GTP4ME]

Ok, my research has led me to believe that there really is a fairly close split as to what coolant to use. My mechanic says the orange (dex-cool) is horrible stuff, and to use the regular green stuff. I've heard to stick with the dex-cool. I haven't been able to come to a conclusion so I'll ask you all!

What coolant would be best to use in a 2000 GTP?

[tblake]

If it were mine, I'd just stick with dex cool. I havn't had any problems.

[BNaylor]

Dex-cool issues arise as a result of engine issues such as bad intake manifold gaskets, air in cooling system, etc. which will cause the sludge commonly seen or not replacing Dex-cool at the proper interval which is 5 years or 150K miles, whichever comes first. You could replace it sooner. I've never had any issues with Dex-cool in any of my GM cars that came delivered with it. I switched to the yellow in my GTP for cost reasons and since I replace coolant once a year in it.

Also, as to your poll the yellow stuff (5/150K extended) really is not mixable as claimed. I would not mix it with the Dex-cool but do a complete and thorough flush before switching to it.

['97ventureowner]

Originally Posted by BNaylor

Dex-cool issues arise as a result of engine issues such as bad intake manifold gaskets, air in cooling system, etc. which will cause the sludge commonly seen or not replacing Dex-cool at the proper interval which is 5 years or 150K miles, whichever comes first. You could replace it sooner. I've never had any issues with Dex-cool in any of my GM cars that came delivered with it. I switched to the yellow in my GTP for cost reasons and since I replace coolant once a year in it.

Also, as to your poll the yellow stuff (5/150K extended) really is not mixable as claimed. I would not mix it with the Dex-cool but do a complete and thorough flush before switching to it.

I run DexCool in all my GM vehicles in which it originally came in and have not had any major issues. A good site with info on reasons to keep using DexCool if your vehicle came with it from the factory is here:
http://free-auto-repair-advice.blogs...label/Dex-Cool

[UKtech]

I would stick to the manufactures specs in MOST cases. But i would not let DexCool run for 5 years /150k for sure. I have seen it congeal / breakdown and cause issues much sooner than that.

[Scrapper]

i would do the same on at i but you got to make sure you can mix it with or it can jell up on you....

[CrazyHorst]

Related: What do you fine people do with used antifreeze?

Engine oil and other petroleum lubes are easily taken care of at the auto parts store....as well as old lead-acid batteries but I've never figured out what to do with antifreeze....

I'm hyperafraid of leaving the stuff around even in containers (which could weep) as I have several dogs.

['97ventureowner]

Many communities have "Hazardous Waste Disposal Days" where you can bring in items like antifreeze for safe disposal. Check your phone book under "recycling" to see if anybody in your locale handles antifreeze, or call your town or county government for any details on antifreeze recycling in your area. Also try contacting some shops or auto parts stores to see if they participate in any antifreeze recycling/disposal programs, or know where you can do so.

[Scrapper]

you could flush the anti but not oil..take it to a garage and see how much they would charge to take it..even ask to take anti iff you want. and iff you live not far from a farm they like to burn out stumps even iff it is leagal or not. but me i would take oil to a garage...

['97ventureowner]

Originally Posted by scrapper1

you could flush the anti but not oil..take it to a garage and see how much they would charge to take it..even ask to take anti iff you want. and iff you live not far from a farm they like to burn out stumps even iff it is leagal or not. but me i would take oil to a garage...

Many areas are not equipped to handle antifreeze,(especially sewage treatment plants,) so the best option to prevent polluting the waterways and groundwater would be to find a source such as a garage or facility capable of handling antifreeze/coolant.

[00GTP4ME]

Very good info everyone, thank you! I feel much better about everything now. I agree with UKtech in not letting it go the full 5 years. So I think I'll keep it in there and just flush it a little sooner (or just keep an eye on the quality of the fluid).

CrazyHorst, I go to my local landfill and I tell them that I have used antifreeze and they have me go to a pull-off that leads to a small pond where everyone dumps their oil, antifreeze, battery acid, etc. Our city counsel said that the soil filters out anything hazardous to the community. Just kidding.

I actually DO take it to the landfill and they take the containers of the used antifreeze and recycle them somehow. This is at no cost to myself.

[BNaylor]

In West Texas - El Paso I have no issues with old oil, oil filters, ATF or antifreeze to include the plastic containers which are recycleable.

We have Citizen Collection Stations at various city locations handled by the Environmental Services Dept. Although it seems free we pay a nominal fee for the service on our consolidated water, sewage and trash bills. And you have to show a copy of your latest bill to enter the collection point. See link.

Click here

Plus I am really careful with antifreeze and get rid of it as soon as possible since my dog likes to watch me and keep me company when working on the cars.

['97ventureowner]

Originally Posted by BNaylor

In West Texas - El Paso I have no issues with old oil, oil filters, ATF or antifreeze to include the plastic containers which are recycleable.

.

That's the problem I have in my area with recycling. We recycle quite a bit in our area, ( the usual newspapers, corrugated cardboard, paperboard,<i.e.cereal boxes, etc.>, glass , metal cans, junk mail, and #1 and #2 plastic bottles.) What is not acceptable are any "non food" #1 and #2 plastics such as oil bottles, and anti freeze containers. One would think that during the recycling process, the containers that had oil or coolant in them could also be recycled as whatever was in them could be removed somehow. I don't generate as much oil containers anymore as I switched to one gallon, or 5 quart jugs which cuts down on the amount of containers I have, but it just doesn't seem right to have to throw them in the trash, when a similar bottle can be recycled. I would have hoped technology would have caught up to be able to remove any "contaminants" therefore making the containers recyclable.