Coolant additives?
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Coolant additives? 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?
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?
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?
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?
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.)
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.
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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
Here's to another 100,000 miles.
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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.
Last edited by coryforsenate; Oct 18, 2018 at 01:23 PM.
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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.
