coryforsenate

iTrader: (1)

Hi all, radiator started leaking so gotta replace it and will be flushing the system so everything is fresh and clean for the new radiator.

Afterwards, with fresh coolant are there any good additives that aren't gimmicks that'll help keep the system clean, fluid last longer, cool better, etc?

coryforsenate

iTrader: (1)

Looks like Royal Purple has one and Redline has one.

LS6427

iTrader: (2)

It'll stay clean as long the system is sealed good. I've tried Water Wetter.....didn;t seem to do much. Just use water and a little anti-freeze.

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8.Lug

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

Yes! You need tons of additives. The good news is that they are already in the bottle! GM specifies a spec for DEX-COOL, which requires those manufacturers to include the needed chemicals and additives: https://acdelco.com.au/pdf/specifica...cs_dexcool.pdf

Anything else you will see on the parts store shelves is largely snake oil or for specific applications where your engine builder or parts supplier (taking the place of GM) would give you the proper direction.

The biggest think you can do to get a clean system is to get all the old stuff out. (This is a PITA and involves removing the two block plugs which hold back 1/2 of the system's coolant within the engine block.)

coryforsenate

iTrader: (1)

wssix99, finding those block plugs has been elusive. Haven't been able to find anything online that says where they are or what they look like.

Crf450r420

iTrader: (1)

Evan's waterless coolant will keep everything perfect, but it cost a lot of money. Most car museums run it because of how well it works.

Water wetter works, but it performs best in plain water so it's more of a race car product. Running the least amount of antifreeze you can and still protect the system will increase cooling ability and that is how we run it down here where it never freezes.

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

Post #4 has instructions and a link to another thread with the pictures. The one of the driver's side is up behind the alternator and the one on the passenger side is up behind the starter. (If I remember correctly, both require socket extensions to reach.) It makes a horrible mess - no way to avoid a shower. Wear googles!

RockinWs6

Best coolant I ever used was Propylene Glycol, unfortunately its hard to find any more. Car ran cooler and it stayed clean forever.

LLLosingit

iTrader: (4)

You can still find local it if you know where to look, A lot of marinas carry it but it costs $25-$30 a gallon. You can also order it online.

RockinWs6

That's why I quit using it, when it was everywhere it was easy and that good once I started using it really didn't want to go back to anything else.

sjsingle1

iTrader: (1)

I see amsoil has the PG.....but it aint cheep

coryforsenate

iTrader: (1)

Just finished the distilled water/cleaner flush thing from Prestone for the past 3 days, drained and it was pretty clean. Guess proper maintenance works. Radiator has been replaced along with a complete system drain and I decided to go ahead with the 50/50 Dexcool like is recommended by GM for '96 vehicles.

Here's to another 100,000 miles.

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

Did you get the engine plugs out after the flush, then? How did it go?

coryforsenate

iTrader: (1)

wssix99, I didn't bother hunting for them. Dropping the bottom hose and opening the radiator drain plug got half of the total volume. I refilled with distilled water and ran it with the thermostat out, drained. Repeated three times (letting the engine cool, of course). After the last drain it smelled and felt like straight water, added straight antifreeze accounting that half the volume is still there and it's straight distilled water. Calculations were correct and I wound up using exactly half the system volume of straight antifreeze to fill the system.

coryforsenate

iTrader: (1)

Also took the opportunity to take off and thoroughly clean the overflow bucket and fan shroud, and replace the temperature sending sensor. Sensor was fine but it just looks so dirty being the original and it was only $10.

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

I was thinking along those lines. You can always get a cheap hydrometer to confirm if you have the right mix.