I after acquiring the new to me 04, I have been planning on doing some of the maintenance items. I am wondering though if I should really switch away from the factory recommended fluid. It currently has the pink stuff in there, which I'm assuming is Dex. I don't remember it being pink, I thought it was yellow, but maybe that was just from seeing The photos Buzz posted a few times showing the yellow sludge.
On the 00, I had switched over to the regular green Peak Long Life. On that truck though, she always ran warm. So with the new rig, temps are perfect. There is a small leak by the tb heater which I'm addressing, and I see the pinkish crunch around there, but I'm thinking that is just due to the air meeting the coolant right there. She has 76k, and I know the coolant was changed as the head gaskets were done a couple years back by the PO.
So, do I fix what isn't broken and switch coolant types or no? I'm going to change it regardless, but just not sure a complete change of types would be a benefit, so would love to hear the real difference.
Final question on this...I want to flush the system while changing. Would you suggest using a store bought flush chemical or no? I worry sometimes about once again messing with something that is OK. I flushed with water on the other rig, but then didn't have to do too much as I replaced the entire cooling system anyway.

 

Commercial flush is fine. Go back with 50/50 premix, not Dexcool.

 

Any brand you want, I used Wal-Mart this last time, it's made by Peak.

 

Any big reasons besides your honeycomb looking rad pic? Everything looks good for cooling on this. I also wonder what the difference between the Dex and G12 is. My last 3 Audi and the last 5 VW's all ran the pink G12, which looks similar to Dex. No issues.
I'm fine switching and did it in the last one, but with all the cooling issues in that one, I just questioned if I should. I likely will, it was just looking for anything in particular to these with Dex issues , considering LR still uses that stuff.

 

Dex-Cool is a organic acid coolant, think about it...acid...

 

i'm in no way as knowledgeable as some guys here, but my truck runs at great temps and i have had zero issues with overheating. i run dexcool.

when i took my truck in to get the heads done i went to a LR specialist shop that has been in business for many years and has a stellar reputation. they put the dexcool back in and i remember specifically asking them if that was the right thing to do. they told me they have always used dexcool in discoveries as recommended by LR and they have had zero issues.

i have no horse in this race - just sharing my experience. i would be very curious as to what other rover specialist shops recommend - anyone know?

for me, after reading all the various methods people here have used to change out the fluids i decided to leave well enough alone. i'm running about 186 to 188 in stop and go traffic, i've had no leakage whatsoever(i check all fluids once a week) and the truck has plenty of other nagging issues that i want to tackle first.

if it ain't broke...

 

I put the pink Prestone antifreeze into my 2001.
About $15
I mix it with distilled water.

 

It probly doesn't matter so much which coolant you use as long as you change it regularly.

However, dexcool turns into crusty brown sludge when exposed to air, so any leaks or head gasket issues turn into blocked radiator issues. My truck has a slow coolant leak, and the dexcool that was in it has formed a crust where it dripped out. I don't want any liquid in my engine that will turn to crust when exposed to air.

There are lots and lots of horror stories about dexcool, but I've never read anyone who had a good story about it.

So, on the one hand you have green coolant that cools the engine and doesn't freeze, and on the other hand you have dexcool that cools the engine, doesn't freeze, and turns to sludge when exposed to air.

Why would you use dexcool?

 

I swapped out the Dexcool about a year ago...no issues, just give it a good flush to remove most of it before putting the Peak, or whatever in?
I hear that the issue with Dexcool is if left unchecked, and not changed on regular intervals it becomes an issue.
That being said, before changing over, the thermostat and coolant reservoir cap were disintegrating...Dexcool? replaced them both.

 

Our discovery has the Zerex G-05® Antifreeze after we replace the radiator, hoses, t-stat (grey) and coolant reservoir.

The G-05 has both the organic acid and the fast acting protections of the American Green coolant without the DexCool issue of softening the plastics.

Every piece of plastic coming into contact with DexCool in our truck was as brittle as an ice.

2003 Discovery 134K with high miles services complete.