AntiFreeze vs. Dexcool...

[bigred29067]

Which is better? What is the difference between the two? What are pro's and con's to both? Y can't you mix the two?

[cjstew4]

After currently being in the middle of the process of having the intake and head gaskets, t-stat (for the second time) replaced in my 97 Venture due to GM known weakness in these failure areas, I talked to an ex-GM guy who was with them when they came out with the Dex-Cool in 96-97. He says that they originally claimed the orage Dex-Cool is good for 6 yrs or 100+k miles w/o having to change. Well, false. It breaks down just like the green after 20-30k miles and s/b flushed. No magic in the Dex-Cool, just false cliams where it actually can cause premature gasket/component failure. If you still want to use it, just flush it out at 20-30k. If your t-stat is easy to get too, I would replace that as well during that interval. I heard that they could not be mixed, but could, only temporarily if you are in a pinch and have nothing else and should not just run distilled water. Then just flush the whole system ASAP and refill with green. Hopefully, I have helped as I stare at over a $2,000 bill including towing, mistakenly replacing just the t-stat when it overheated, etc, and all this happening while out of town. Best of luck.

[glenncof]

I replaced my radiator at 110K and shop guy said to flush/replace either one every two years. He said you can switch to antifreeze after extensive/complete flush (These can't be mixed.)

I concluded to leave Dexcool in and flush every two years.

[swp5767]

I have a GM mechanic buddy and he stays away from Death-cool as he calls it. He sticks with the green stuff.

My wifes 00 Astro has 80k on it with the red stuff and I haven't done anything with it, but if/when I change it, I will go green.

Ifs its still under warranty, stay with what it came with so not to void the warranty.