I am getting ready to flush and replace the coolant in my truck. I had always read that Dex-cool was the way to go because of the aluminum block engines that we have, but recently I have started reading that Dex-cool isn't as good as people thought and yellow or green coolant is the way to go. I am now confused and not sure of which coolant type to use. Any help and suggestions on which coolant to use will be greatly appreciated.

 

Dex is fine as long as your coolant system is well sealed and you don't run it too long. The thing about dex is that it does not contain any fast acting silicates or phosphates so it takes a few thousand miles to build up protection. G05 is a HOAT that does not use sebacate (the ingredient that makes dex so inexpensive and attractive to manufacturers) and has silicates, it is a long lasting coolant also. Toyota pink is a HOAT that uses phosphates and no silicates and is also a long drain fluid. Green has both phosphates and silicates and offers great protection it just does not last as long as the OATs or HOATs.

There are other "G" coolants also. Pretty much any modern coolant is made to work with aluminum so don't let people try to tell you that you have to use dex becasue of the aluminum. I like Zerex G05 personally but also have used classic green.

 

As long as you use a aluminum safe coolant you are fine.
Do a drain and fill every 2 years no matter what you use.
And keep in mind that even though your DII came with Dex-Cool, a long life coolant (5 yrs or 150k) Rover still says to change it every 45,000 miles or 36 months, whichever is sooner.

 

buick215...I'm on the "Spike Plan"...PEAK Global™ LifeTime™ 50/50 Prediluted Antifreeze & Coolant...drain and fill every 2 years no matter.

IMO...dex kills gaskets...

Oh, Spike, I almost forgot...the royalty check for your "Spike Plan" is in the snail mail...you still accept hot checks, right?

 

im on the Peak train as well. my idea is if i ever run into a problem i can throw any coolant available in there and it wont gel up. if im runnin G05 or something else and i have a problem and someone hands me dexcool it turns into a science project.

 

just buy a good coolant and change once a year or every 2. it takes like 20min to do the job and costs you under $20 bucks.

IMO if you dont have $20 bucks to spend on your rover every 12 to 24 months you better be looking into another vehicle soon

 

sloppy, would i just disconnect bottome hose, or pull plugs too? thanks pal

 

Hey russburcham...I just disconnected the bottom hose, used a garden hose to flush and then used pressurized air to get the last of it out...though using pressurized air can be frowned upon, be careful.

 

great- I appreciate it!

 

Yup, sure do.
I have a friend who works at the check cashing place on the wrong side of town, for a dime bag he will cash any check I bring him.