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-   -   Just replaced coolant with universal (https://www.buickforum.com/forum/lesabre-24/just-replaced-coolant-universal-9357/)

Mike Liz Dec 13, 2023 11:21 AM

Just replaced coolant with universal
 
2001 lesabre limited 200,000 miles
My garage flushed out coolant ( oem Dexcool) then replaced it with universal coolant. It looks like the reservoir still has Dexcool, should I replace it? Also when should i do a flush again since these 2 coolants may not mix very well together?

NTX5467 Aug 11, 2024 09:58 PM

Dexcool can mix with other coolants, resulting in "contamination" (as GM calls it) which can result in "gunk" forming in the cooling system. PLUS, the benefits of using Dexcool will be diminished/lost.

Best thing to do is to get another full flush of GM-spec Dexcool, whether from the dealer or an aftermarket brand from an auto supply. RHAT would be the best way to do things. Flush out the coolant recovery jug and put some Dexcool in there, too. Also make sure the radiator cap is a working coolant recovery-style cap.

If you do a full flush, you can use the 50-50 pre-mix, usually. Check for freeze protection afterward, for good measure.

NTX5467

Mike Liz Aug 13, 2024 10:26 AM


Originally Posted by NTX5467 (Post 19292)
Dexcool can mix with other coolants, resulting in "contamination" (as GM calls it) which can result in "gunk" forming in the cooling system. PLUS, the benefits of using Dexcool will be diminished/lost.

Best thing to do is to get another full flush of GM-spec Dexcool, whether from the dealer or an aftermarket brand from an auto supply. RHAT would be the best way to do things. Flush out the coolant recovery jug and put some Dexcool in there, too. Also make sure the radiator cap is a working coolant recovery-style cap.

If you do a full flush, you can use the 50-50 pre-mix, usually. Check for freeze protection afterward, for good measure.

NTX5467

thanks, Isn't Dex cool bad, or was only on older cars? Everything i read here says they eat lower intake gaskets???

NTX5467 Aug 13, 2024 11:43 AM

Dexcool is still the GM-spec coolant it always was. Started in the 1990s with the introduction of the last-gen Buick Roadmasters, plus everything else in the GM line. So, it is for everything GM has built since its first use.

Never did hear of it degrading intake gaskets. Did hear of plastic intake manifolds breaking, though, but it never was attributed or talked about Dexcool as being the reason, even back then, from our dealership techs.

There were some earlier issues relating to bad radiator caps not keeping the radiators full of Dexcool. Resulting in "pink sand" under the cap. Those issues were resolved in later vehicle equipment changes.

NTX5467

Carll932 May 8, 2025 05:00 AM

<!--td {border: 1px solid #cccccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}-->Thank you all for the recommendations, we will definitely look at the proposals at our leisure.


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