What is the best type of Antifreeze to be used in a 1999 Chevy Tahoe?

[taser69]

This is the first time I've been on this website. I'm glad I found it. I've gotten a bunch of good info. from you guys.

I'm in the process of replacing my intake manifold gasket due to an antifreeze leak. It is just like described in some of the other threads I've read.

I've read several articles/complaints of dexcool antifreeze and it's bad affects on GM parts and components. Dexcool is the recommended coolent from the manufacture. But, I don't want to run into future damage/problems due to the coolent. So, what would you guys recommend as a suitable substitute?

Thanks in advance for your help.
L.

[decoy86]

I just did my intake too and used the Dexcool. Just after the intake reseal, my water pump went out. Wonderful.

[taser69]

Yeah, I had the water pump replaced about 6 mos ago. I've just been hearing a lot a bad things about dexcool causing damage to GM parts. I was just wondering if this had any validity to it.

[GMMerlin]

Originally Posted by taser69

Yeah, I had the water pump replaced about 6 mos ago. I've just been hearing a lot a bad things about dexcool causing damage to GM parts. I was just wondering if this had any validity to it.

Dex-cool is not the cause of the problems in GM cars. There are plenty of GM cars and trucks out there with no cooling system related problems.
The intake leaking problem is caused by a combination of...gasket design and material, low torque clamping forces of the bolts, expansion and contraction rates of the manifolds.

Some things to remeber about Dex-cool is to make sure you use a 50-50 mixture, fill the overflow jug to the hot level, replace the radiator cap

[taser69]

Originally Posted by GMMerlin

Dex-cool is not the cause of the problems in GM cars. There are plenty of GM cars and trucks out there with no cooling system related problems.
The intake leaking problem is caused by a combination of...gasket design and material, low torque clamping forces of the bolts, expansion and contraction rates of the manifolds.

Some things to remeber about Dex-cool is to make sure you use a 50-50 mixture, fill the overflow jug to the hot level, replace the radiator cap

Thank you for this information. Puts my mind at ease.

[glenncof]

I have 1997 Tahoe with 115K miles. Recently replaced radiator, intake gaskets, water pump, & heater control valve. Here's what I found.

Dex-cool works fine if you keep air away from it. This means keeping overflow tanks full (even when you have lots of leaks).

Radiator shop said flush every two years. Also they said you can convert back to old anti-freeze after through flush with water.

My conclusion is converting back to old anti-freeze is not worth the effort.

[taser69]

Originally Posted by glenncof

I have 1997 Tahoe with 115K miles. Recently replaced radiator, intake gaskets, water pump, & heater control valve. Here's what I found.

Dex-cool works fine if you keep air away from it. This means keeping overflow tanks full (even when you have lots of leaks).

Radiator shop said flush every two years. Also they said you can convert back to old anti-freeze after through flush with water.

My conclusion is converting back to old anti-freeze is not worth the effort.

Yes, you're right it isn't worth the effort to convert back.