What if wrong coolant (not DexCool) added ??

[guitarfish]

My wife is on a long trip, her low coolant light came on. She stopped at a convenience store and purchased some antifreeze and added a few cups to the coolant recovery tank.

I had told her to look for DexCool, or one of the brands that says "safe for all cars". Well, she says she didn't see either of those written on the antifreeze, so I have no idea what she added to the car.

If I assume that she added old style ethelyine glycol coolant that isn't compatible with DexCool, does anyone know that the results would be??

[guitarfish]

Well, I found an article that explains the answer. The car won't blowup, at least.

Proper Coolant Use

[richtazz]

Old style green (ethylene glycol) and OAT type coolants do not mix. They will start to gel and clog cooling system passages. My best suggestion if you don't have the bottle, is to get your system flushed before major problems develop.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by guitarfish

My wife is on a long trip, her low coolant light came on. She stopped at a convenience store and purchased some antifreeze and added a few cups to the coolant recovery tank.

I had told her to look for DexCool, or one of the brands that says "safe for all cars". Well, she says she didn't see either of those written on the antifreeze, so I have no idea what she added to the car.

If I assume that she added old style ethelyine glycol coolant that isn't compatible with DexCool, does anyone know that the results would be??

Green and dexcool orange makes brown or mud.
As said if not sure flush it after 3 years or 50K it need changed anyway.
If leaking coolant it would be a good time to look for the leak to.
What engine and mileage? Any external coolant leaks?

[guitarfish]

I wasn't aware of any coolant leaks, but apparently there is. It's got 225,000 miles. I did the thermostat and fresh Dexcool about 20,000 mi ago. I'll probably just flush & refill when she gets back. Why mess around and take chances, ya know?

Thanks guys.

[djstifft]

Although Dexcool is said to be good for 5 years, I don't trust that. Even if the coolant is still good, what about the wear (rust) from the system and the water pump? I got a GP 2000 that had it flushed two years ago and flushed the radiator yesterday. Although the coolant was still bright orange, I had some teaspoons of black and metallic "sand" in the bucket that could have build up and cloak the system if leaved in.

[98gpking]

Originally Posted by djstifft

Although Dexcool is said to be good for 5 years, I don't trust that. Even if the coolant is still good, what about the wear (rust) from the system and the water pump? I got a GP 2000 that had it flushed two years ago and flushed the radiator yesterday. Although the coolant was still bright orange, I had some teaspoons of black and metallic "sand" in the bucket that could have build up and cloak the system if leaved in.

uummm if your getting that much build up in the coolant system on a 2000 you might wanna get something checked haha. the purpose and the reason why the orange coolant was used for theses reasons

-inorganic
-non toxic

it wont build up and create sludge, its also less likely to break down. i can see maybe some sand like substance but a few teaspoons....i dunno if thats good that didnt happen when i flushed out mine