GM C5 conspiracy - or is it Brussels?
Discussion
Fact - the coolant capacity on a C5 is 11.9 litres
Fact - 11.9 litres equals 2.38 gallons
Fact - you need 1.19 gallons of DexCool to renew the system
Fact - DexCool is sold in 1 gallon containers
Probability - you chuck .81 gallons away as once opened it may not last 5 years until the next renewal
Fact - 11.9 litres equals 2.38 gallons
Fact - you need 1.19 gallons of DexCool to renew the system
Fact - DexCool is sold in 1 gallon containers
Probability - you chuck .81 gallons away as once opened it may not last 5 years until the next renewal
yellowshark454 said:
Fact - the coolant capacity on a C5 is 11.9 litres
Fact - 11.9 litres equals 2.38 gallons
Fact - you need 1.19 gallons of DexCool to renew the system
Fact - DexCool is sold in 1 gallon containers
Probability - you chuck .81 gallons away as once opened it may not last 5 years until the next renewal
Fact - 11.9 litres equals 2.38 gallons
Fact - you need 1.19 gallons of DexCool to renew the system
Fact - DexCool is sold in 1 gallon containers
Probability - you chuck .81 gallons away as once opened it may not last 5 years until the next renewal
Probably not relevant but 11.9 litres are more like 2.6 Imperial or 3.1 US gallons.
You could always share DexCool with your mates on PH!
I wouldn’t have thought coolant would go off in the bottle. You have to change it in the car regularly as the additives are used up protecting the engine but they have nothing to do in the bottle so would just sit there waiting. I can understand it with break fluid where an opened bottle will add moisture to the fluid thereby rendering it less effective but your going to add a ton of water to the coolant anyway.
At least thats what i hope as i have a couple of bottles sitting around waiting to be used.
At least thats what i hope as i have a couple of bottles sitting around waiting to be used.
Yup you could be right although my spreadsheet told me 2.3 or whatever. I am hoping of course that it comes in US gallons so there will less waste. The same thought went through my mind. We ought to set up a home for unwanted DexCool so that the members can drop in when they need a top-up! Maybe Rich could set himself up as South Coast distributor and dish out 1.2 gallons or so when needed.
For those interested I piulled this from Corvette Forum...
Here is the GM bulletin about Dex-Cool. If you read it you will notice that it specifically says Only virgin DEX-COOL® approved coolants are to be used in vehicles built with DEX-COOL®. DEX-COOL® compatible coolants are not to be used in vehicles built with DEX-COOL®. To me that means no Prestone Orange stuff.
Service InformationDocument ID # 742292
DEX-COOL Engine Coolant Information #00-06-02-006
DEX-COOL® Engine Coolant Information
2001 and Prior Passenger Cars and Trucks
This bulletin is being revised to add updated information. Please discard
Corporate Bulletin Number 73-62-14 (Section 6 -- Engine/Propulsion System).
Coolant Removal Services/Recycling
The following list includes all coolant recycling processes currently approved
by GM. All of these processes are capable of recycling DEX-COOL® or conventional
(green) coolant to a conventional coolant.
Recycling coolant can be accomplished at your facility by a technician using
approved equipment (listed by model number in the following table) or by an
approved coolant recycling service, which may recycle the coolant at your
facility or at an offsite operation. Refer to the table below for GM-approved
coolant recyclers in either of these two categories. Also included is a primary
phone number and demographic information. Should you decide to recycle the
coolant yourself, strict adherence to the operating procedures is imperative.
Use only the inhibitor chemicals supplied by the respective (GM approved)
recycling equipment manufacturer.
Important
Any deviations, in the form of alternate chemicals or alteration of equipment,
will do the following:
Void the GM endorsement
May degrade coolant system integrity
Place the cooling system warranty under jeopardy
Used DEX-COOL® should still be combined with used conventional coolant for
recycling, providing the recycled coolant is designated as a conventional (2
year/30,000 mile (50,000 km)) coolant.
Only virgin DEX-COOL® approved coolants are to be used in vehicles built with
DEX-COOL®. DEX-COOL® compatible coolants are not to be used in vehicles built
with DEX-COOL®. Additional research is being conducted by GM Service Operations
to determine the feasibility of recycling DEX-COOL® to DEX-COOL® with another 5
year/150,00 mile (240,000 km) usability. AT THIS POINT, THERE ARE NOT ANY GM
APPROVED PROCESSES FOR RECYCLING DEX-COOL® TO DEX-COOL®.
Approved Engine Coolant Recycling Services and EquipmentRecycler
Model/Service Demographics Contact
Antifreeze Technologies Systems Service AZ, CA, CO, IL, IN, MA, MD, MI,
NH, NJ, NM, NYC, OR, PA, TX, WA, VA 800-474-4947
Asbury Enviromental Services/Demenno Kerdoon - Trinity Brand Service AZ,
CA, NV, OR, WA 800-974-4495 Ext. 314
Antifreeze Environmental Service Service AZ, CA, NV, OR, WA 650-325-2666
BG Products PF4/Cooler Cleaner US, Canada 800-961-6228
Kleer-Flo AF-250 US, Canada, Mexico 800-328-7942 952-934-2555
Wynn Oil Company (Wynn's) DU-ALL® # 07000, Bulk DU-ALL® # 07400a US,
Canada, Mexico 800-GMTools 800-989-8363
Century Manufacturing Co. TECHGUARD US, Canada, Mexico 800-328-2921
Sealing Tablets
Sealing tablets are not used at the assembly plant for most models. Sealing
tablets are generally not necessary and should not be used as a regular
maintenance item after servicing an engine cooling system. The use of sealing
tablets can, in some cases, produce contamination of the cooling system and/or
severe discoloration of coolant.
Water Quality
Engine coolant is a combination of antifreeze and water. The integrity of any
coolant is dependent upon the quality of both components. For this reason, be
sure to use clean, drinkable water when mixing coolants. If clean, drinkable
water is not available, use de-ionized water available from most grocers.
Pink Colored DEX-COOL®
DEX-COOL® is orange in color to distinguish it from other coolants. Due to
inconsistencies in the mixing of the dyes used with DEX-COOL®, some batches may
appear pink after time. The color shift from orange to pink does not affect the
integrity of the coolant and still maintains the 5 year/150,000 mile (240,000
km) service interval. General Motors is currently pursuing a course of action
which will stabilize the color of DEX-COOL® in the field.
Back Service
Only use DEX-COOL® if the vehicle was originally equipped with DEX-COOL®. The
only exception to this is for 1994 and 1995 models (excluding the 1994 J-body
with 4 cylinder engines), in which case the use of DEX-COOL® is advocated for
enhanced water pump seal durability. If DEX-COOL® is used in 1994 and 1995
models, all "green" coolant must be removed. This can be accomplished by using a
coolant exchanger. Refer to the Equipment section of this bulletin for more
information about coolant exchangers. The service interval for DEX-COOL® in
1994-1995 models is 2 years/30,000 miles (50,000 km).
Contamination
Mixing conventional green coolant with DEX-COOL® will degrade the service
interval from 5 yrs/150,000 miles (240,000 km) to 2yrs/30,000 miles (50,000 km).
If contamination occurs, the cooling system must be flushed twice immediately
and re-filled with a 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL® and clean water in order to
preserve the enhanced properties and extended service interval of DEX-COOL®.
After 5 years/150,000 miles (240,000 km)
After 5 years/150,000 miles (240,000 km), the coolant should be changed,
preferably using a coolant exchanger. If the vehicle was originally equipped
with DEX-COOL® and has not had problems with contamination from non-DEX-COOL®
coolants, then the service interval remains the same and the coolant does not
need to be changed for another 5 years/150,000 miles (240,000 km).
Equipment (Coolant Exchangers)
General Motors highly recommends use of coolant exchange equipment for
performing coolant service.
GM Dealers in areas where state/local ordinance prohibit unlawful discharge of
coolant must have a coolant exchanger. Use of coolant exchangers drastically
reduces the amount of waste generated by a cooling system flush.
Unit must be "exchange/transfusion" style with vacuum feature, where new
coolant displaces (pushes) the old coolant out of the system. This equipment
has a higher exchange efficiency over other style machines and leaves no
trapped air in the system.
The coolant exchange process delivers a number of benefits over traditional
drain-and-fill techniques.
Proper concentration levels are maintained (refer to the Concentration portion
of bulletin).
Allows safe venting of a hot system to relieve system pressure.
Vacuum feature allows easy "burping" (removal of trapped air) when a cooling
system has been opened for a service repair.
Significant time savings over current methods of repeatedly thermocycling the
engine and topping-off the radiator.
Maintains clean work environment when used to lower coolant level prior to
servicing cooling system components.
Approved coolant exchangers are available through the General Motors Dealer
Equipment Program (1-800-GM-TOOLS).
Concentration
The chemical inhibitors in DEX-COOL® are a critical part of protecting the
cooling system. The inhibitors provide more than just freeze and boil
protection, they are the necessary components for overall corrosion protection
of the cooling system. A proper mix of 50/50 DEX-COOL® and water is essential. A
50/50 mix ensures that the proper amount of chemical inhibitors are in the
coolant.
Important
At low concentrations (less than 30% DEX-COOL® to water), these inhibitors may
not be able to adequately provide corrosions protection and damage may occur to
the cooling system components.
Radiator drain and fills are a major contributor to improper coolant
concentration. Drain and fills only remove about half of a cooling system's
coolant. When the new coolant is added, it combines with the old coolant (with
depleted chemical inhibitors) and the resulting mixture is considerably less
than a 50/50 mix. For this reason, radiator drain and fills are no longer
recommended as a means for a coolant change service (refer to the Equipment
portion of this bulletin).
Low coolant concentration can also result from topping off the cooling system
with water, and improper filling when system components are serviced.
Assuring System Integrity
A properly functioning radiator cap is essential to achieve the intended system
performance. Radiator caps should be tested before reinstalling to assure they
are operating according to their specifications. If any evidence of
contamination is present, or if the cap fails to test to specification, it
should be replaced.
Maintaining a completely full cooling system is likewise critical to its
performance. Whenever cooling systems are flushed or coolant is exchanged, the
possibility of introducing air into the system exists. See applicable Service
Manual and bulletins for procedures. Air pockets in the cooling system can take
as long as 161 km (100 miles) to be completely expelled. For this reason, it is
critical to check the level of both the radiator and coolant recovery bottle 161
km (100 miles) after any cooling system service. Owners should be advised of the
importance of maintaining cooling system at the proper level and referred to
their Owners Manual for information.
© Copyright General Motors Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
For those interested I piulled this from Corvette Forum...
Here is the GM bulletin about Dex-Cool. If you read it you will notice that it specifically says Only virgin DEX-COOL® approved coolants are to be used in vehicles built with DEX-COOL®. DEX-COOL® compatible coolants are not to be used in vehicles built with DEX-COOL®. To me that means no Prestone Orange stuff.
Service InformationDocument ID # 742292
DEX-COOL Engine Coolant Information #00-06-02-006
DEX-COOL® Engine Coolant Information
2001 and Prior Passenger Cars and Trucks
This bulletin is being revised to add updated information. Please discard
Corporate Bulletin Number 73-62-14 (Section 6 -- Engine/Propulsion System).
Coolant Removal Services/Recycling
The following list includes all coolant recycling processes currently approved
by GM. All of these processes are capable of recycling DEX-COOL® or conventional
(green) coolant to a conventional coolant.
Recycling coolant can be accomplished at your facility by a technician using
approved equipment (listed by model number in the following table) or by an
approved coolant recycling service, which may recycle the coolant at your
facility or at an offsite operation. Refer to the table below for GM-approved
coolant recyclers in either of these two categories. Also included is a primary
phone number and demographic information. Should you decide to recycle the
coolant yourself, strict adherence to the operating procedures is imperative.
Use only the inhibitor chemicals supplied by the respective (GM approved)
recycling equipment manufacturer.
Important
Any deviations, in the form of alternate chemicals or alteration of equipment,
will do the following:
Void the GM endorsement
May degrade coolant system integrity
Place the cooling system warranty under jeopardy
Used DEX-COOL® should still be combined with used conventional coolant for
recycling, providing the recycled coolant is designated as a conventional (2
year/30,000 mile (50,000 km)) coolant.
Only virgin DEX-COOL® approved coolants are to be used in vehicles built with
DEX-COOL®. DEX-COOL® compatible coolants are not to be used in vehicles built
with DEX-COOL®. Additional research is being conducted by GM Service Operations
to determine the feasibility of recycling DEX-COOL® to DEX-COOL® with another 5
year/150,00 mile (240,000 km) usability. AT THIS POINT, THERE ARE NOT ANY GM
APPROVED PROCESSES FOR RECYCLING DEX-COOL® TO DEX-COOL®.
Approved Engine Coolant Recycling Services and EquipmentRecycler
Model/Service Demographics Contact
Antifreeze Technologies Systems Service AZ, CA, CO, IL, IN, MA, MD, MI,
NH, NJ, NM, NYC, OR, PA, TX, WA, VA 800-474-4947
Asbury Enviromental Services/Demenno Kerdoon - Trinity Brand Service AZ,
CA, NV, OR, WA 800-974-4495 Ext. 314
Antifreeze Environmental Service Service AZ, CA, NV, OR, WA 650-325-2666
BG Products PF4/Cooler Cleaner US, Canada 800-961-6228
Kleer-Flo AF-250 US, Canada, Mexico 800-328-7942 952-934-2555
Wynn Oil Company (Wynn's) DU-ALL® # 07000, Bulk DU-ALL® # 07400a US,
Canada, Mexico 800-GMTools 800-989-8363
Century Manufacturing Co. TECHGUARD US, Canada, Mexico 800-328-2921
Sealing Tablets
Sealing tablets are not used at the assembly plant for most models. Sealing
tablets are generally not necessary and should not be used as a regular
maintenance item after servicing an engine cooling system. The use of sealing
tablets can, in some cases, produce contamination of the cooling system and/or
severe discoloration of coolant.
Water Quality
Engine coolant is a combination of antifreeze and water. The integrity of any
coolant is dependent upon the quality of both components. For this reason, be
sure to use clean, drinkable water when mixing coolants. If clean, drinkable
water is not available, use de-ionized water available from most grocers.
Pink Colored DEX-COOL®
DEX-COOL® is orange in color to distinguish it from other coolants. Due to
inconsistencies in the mixing of the dyes used with DEX-COOL®, some batches may
appear pink after time. The color shift from orange to pink does not affect the
integrity of the coolant and still maintains the 5 year/150,000 mile (240,000
km) service interval. General Motors is currently pursuing a course of action
which will stabilize the color of DEX-COOL® in the field.
Back Service
Only use DEX-COOL® if the vehicle was originally equipped with DEX-COOL®. The
only exception to this is for 1994 and 1995 models (excluding the 1994 J-body
with 4 cylinder engines), in which case the use of DEX-COOL® is advocated for
enhanced water pump seal durability. If DEX-COOL® is used in 1994 and 1995
models, all "green" coolant must be removed. This can be accomplished by using a
coolant exchanger. Refer to the Equipment section of this bulletin for more
information about coolant exchangers. The service interval for DEX-COOL® in
1994-1995 models is 2 years/30,000 miles (50,000 km).
Contamination
Mixing conventional green coolant with DEX-COOL® will degrade the service
interval from 5 yrs/150,000 miles (240,000 km) to 2yrs/30,000 miles (50,000 km).
If contamination occurs, the cooling system must be flushed twice immediately
and re-filled with a 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL® and clean water in order to
preserve the enhanced properties and extended service interval of DEX-COOL®.
After 5 years/150,000 miles (240,000 km)
After 5 years/150,000 miles (240,000 km), the coolant should be changed,
preferably using a coolant exchanger. If the vehicle was originally equipped
with DEX-COOL® and has not had problems with contamination from non-DEX-COOL®
coolants, then the service interval remains the same and the coolant does not
need to be changed for another 5 years/150,000 miles (240,000 km).
Equipment (Coolant Exchangers)
General Motors highly recommends use of coolant exchange equipment for
performing coolant service.
GM Dealers in areas where state/local ordinance prohibit unlawful discharge of
coolant must have a coolant exchanger. Use of coolant exchangers drastically
reduces the amount of waste generated by a cooling system flush.
Unit must be "exchange/transfusion" style with vacuum feature, where new
coolant displaces (pushes) the old coolant out of the system. This equipment
has a higher exchange efficiency over other style machines and leaves no
trapped air in the system.
The coolant exchange process delivers a number of benefits over traditional
drain-and-fill techniques.
Proper concentration levels are maintained (refer to the Concentration portion
of bulletin).
Allows safe venting of a hot system to relieve system pressure.
Vacuum feature allows easy "burping" (removal of trapped air) when a cooling
system has been opened for a service repair.
Significant time savings over current methods of repeatedly thermocycling the
engine and topping-off the radiator.
Maintains clean work environment when used to lower coolant level prior to
servicing cooling system components.
Approved coolant exchangers are available through the General Motors Dealer
Equipment Program (1-800-GM-TOOLS).
Concentration
The chemical inhibitors in DEX-COOL® are a critical part of protecting the
cooling system. The inhibitors provide more than just freeze and boil
protection, they are the necessary components for overall corrosion protection
of the cooling system. A proper mix of 50/50 DEX-COOL® and water is essential. A
50/50 mix ensures that the proper amount of chemical inhibitors are in the
coolant.
Important
At low concentrations (less than 30% DEX-COOL® to water), these inhibitors may
not be able to adequately provide corrosions protection and damage may occur to
the cooling system components.
Radiator drain and fills are a major contributor to improper coolant
concentration. Drain and fills only remove about half of a cooling system's
coolant. When the new coolant is added, it combines with the old coolant (with
depleted chemical inhibitors) and the resulting mixture is considerably less
than a 50/50 mix. For this reason, radiator drain and fills are no longer
recommended as a means for a coolant change service (refer to the Equipment
portion of this bulletin).
Low coolant concentration can also result from topping off the cooling system
with water, and improper filling when system components are serviced.
Assuring System Integrity
A properly functioning radiator cap is essential to achieve the intended system
performance. Radiator caps should be tested before reinstalling to assure they
are operating according to their specifications. If any evidence of
contamination is present, or if the cap fails to test to specification, it
should be replaced.
Maintaining a completely full cooling system is likewise critical to its
performance. Whenever cooling systems are flushed or coolant is exchanged, the
possibility of introducing air into the system exists. See applicable Service
Manual and bulletins for procedures. Air pockets in the cooling system can take
as long as 161 km (100 miles) to be completely expelled. For this reason, it is
critical to check the level of both the radiator and coolant recovery bottle 161
km (100 miles) after any cooling system service. Owners should be advised of the
importance of maintaining cooling system at the proper level and referred to
their Owners Manual for information.
© Copyright General Motors Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
yellowshark454 said:
Here is the GM bulletin about Dex-Cool. If you read it you will notice that it specifically says Only virgin DEX-COOL® approved coolants are to be used in vehicles built with DEX-COOL®. DEX-COOL® compatible coolants are not to be used in vehicles built with DEX-COOL®. To me that means no Prestone Orange stuff.
Prestone are IIRC the only GM licenced supplier of dexcool so as long as you get the prestone dexcool in the silver bottle rather than one of their other ones then it should be ok.
also here is a faq that states
prestone man said:
Q. What is the shelf life of Prestone® Antifreeze/Coolant?
A. If the product is still in the original sealed container then it has a shelf life of many years. If the product has been opened and has not been diluted with water then it also has a shelf life of many years.
Edited by viperdave on Thursday 10th August 16:37
vetteheadracer said:
North Hants Tyres in Aldershot were doing Dex-Cool.........
That's where i got my prestone from a couple of years back, however most times i went in for mobil 1 etc they didn't have any and no interest in getting it. Are they now stocking more of those sorts of products now they have moved as i need some diff oil for the camaro and vette
I have bought Dexcool from OCW in Perivale and also, Keef at Eurovettes got me a gallon in his last shipment. Dexcool was developed for GM by Texaco, although I dont know whether they sell it themselves, or whether it is only sold to the General.
Dont use anything else, and make sure all the old stuff is out by flushing til clear. Very tedious on a C5! Mix 50/50 with de-ionized water if you live in a hard water area. Seems Bowling green use tap water, but maybe their water is less crusty than ours!
Dont use anything else, and make sure all the old stuff is out by flushing til clear. Very tedious on a C5! Mix 50/50 with de-ionized water if you live in a hard water area. Seems Bowling green use tap water, but maybe their water is less crusty than ours!
yep sorry i think i meant to say they were the only non GM supplier, but having said that looking around the intermweb more recently there are others out there selling licensed dexcool also.
I maintain though that if it says it IS dexcool then it is licence by GM to use the name and must be to the same specification and be ok, but if it says compatible with then I would run a mile.
But as the OP now has delco dexcool then there can be no arguments if they have the correct stuff as its GM’s
I maintain though that if it says it IS dexcool then it is licence by GM to use the name and must be to the same specification and be ok, but if it says compatible with then I would run a mile.
But as the OP now has delco dexcool then there can be no arguments if they have the correct stuff as its GM’s
Gassing Station | Corvettes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff