Rudy wrote:
I understand that there are at least two major antifreeze solutions. One
green and the other orange. I went to add to my Cadillac and the service
manual called for the orange one because it doesn't contain silicone(?)
and to mix the two may be harmful to the system.
My question is: If I purchase some orange ones, can I use the orange one
in my green solution cars?
TIA
Rudy
Lenoir
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Rudy - I would use the orange ("Dexcool") in the Caddy unless you
COMPLETELY flush the system. According to the manufacturer you CAN mix
the two, but there is an abundance of anecdotal evidence
that they are not really compatible, up to and including that the two
will gel in the cooling system when they come in contact.
As for converting TO the Dexcool from the green glycol based
stuff, I would strongly recommend NOT doing so. It seems that the
engine gaskets that come into contact with the coolant will deteriorate
prematurely unless they are made of a material that will not be attacked
by the acidic formulation of the Dexcool. GM converted to the Dexcool in
the mid 90s and started to experience intake manifold gasket failures at
an alarming rate about 3 years later. Just ask anyone who owned a 95 -
2000 GM 3.1L V6 about gasket failure and coolant loss. There was a time
when the gasket makers like Fel Pro could not keep up with the demand and
GM finally had to admit a problem and fix these cars for free! The
aftermarket gaskets have seemed to solve the problem, having gone through
2 updates in gasket configuration / materials in the case of Fel Pro,
but I "think" GM is still using the first generation crap.
This is just my informed opinion, having been in the parts
business ( import and domestic) for the last 34 years and dealing with
these issues on an almost daily basis. Hope this helps with your
decision.
Chris
AN5L35578
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