Questions about Coolant Flush

[PennJersey]

I was wondering about flushing the coolant in my 2007 Vue Green line - Can I use the Prestone "dex cool approved" or do I have to buy actual dexcool from the dealer? Also will it use the full 9 qts it says in my book or does it take less?

Thanks,

Henry

[1saxman]

You planning on doing this yourself? Take a clue - get it done somewhere and use DexCool.

[Tom92SCm]

I drained out my system recently, ran the hose through it for awhile and filled it back up with green coolant. The stuff I got is compatible with any Dex-cool that I didn't get out.

[Bismarck318]

You planning on doing this yourself? Take a clue - get it done somewhere and use DexCool.

I'm taking from this statement you cannot simply install a flushing T & backflush?

Oh my they make things anti user friendly!:ugh:

[buba]

If its only two years old you should be fine just draining out the old and refilling with new Dexcool (brand should not mater). If you think it needs flushed spend the $100 US and have a GM dealer or reputable repair shop do it.

You could also use Peak Global Coolant as it is a an OAT based coolant like Dexcool but does not have E2H. It can be mixed with any OAT or HOAT based coolant.

[Bismarck318]

If its only two years old you should be fine just draining out the old and refilling with new Dexcool (brand should not mater). If you think it needs flushed spend the $100 US and have a GM dealer or reputable repair shop do it.

You could also use Peak Global Coolant as it is a an OAT based coolant like Dexcool but does not have E2H. It can be mixed with any OAT or HOAT based coolant.

Noted, where is the radiator cap???? :eek:

[1saxman]

Noted, where is the radiator cap???? :eek:

Well, that's part of the problem, now isn't it?

Okay, one alternative is to just drain as much as you can out of the radiator, then take off the upper hose to refill it. You can empty the surge tank with a siphon or large syringe and refill it. After you do this, you'll have to add to the surge tank when cold for several days as it purges air from the system. You'll still have old coolant in the system, but if you do this every year you'll save money and eventually refresh all the coolant. Or, like i said, have it done once every five years and be done with it. The pro job is not necessarily a 'flush' - it's a 'Total Fluid Replacement'. You can add a system cleaner to the job but I wouldn't on a car as new as yours.

[SoCalVue]

I just got a quote from my dealer... approx. $110 to flush the cooling system. If I want new hoses installed as well, the price skyrockets to $297! :eek:

[Bismarck318]

Well, that's part of the problem, now isn't it?

Okay, one alternative is to just drain as much as you can out of the radiator, then take off the upper hose to refill it. You can empty the surge tank with a siphon or large syringe and refill it. After you do this, you'll have to add to the surge tank when cold for several days as it purges air from the system. You'll still have old coolant in the system, but if you do this every year you'll save money and eventually refresh all the coolant. Or, like i said, have it done once every five years and be done with it. The pro job is not necessarily a 'flush' - it's a 'Total Fluid Replacement'. You can add a system cleaner to the job but I wouldn't on a car as new as yours.

OK... noted I cannot simply install a T & backflush :cry:... they can't make things simple anymore. :ugh:

I had a been using a GF's Renault eons ago (with cooling problems) that had bleeder valves built right into the hoses for purging air... neat concept! :)

The coolant in the surge tank looks new, but how often does it cycle from there?

[wolfman]

If its only two years old you should be fine just draining out the old and refilling with new Dexcool (brand should not mater).

BINGO. Provided the maintenance schedule is followed, "flushing" is neither recommended or required by the manufacturer....

[SoCalVue]

I just called my local dealership service department about the "coolant exchange" service. Yes, it's about $100, but it's only a drain & fill, not a flush. For $100, I'll do my own drain & fill a couple of times. The only advantage I can see is disposal of the coolant... which isn't really that big of a deal to do properly...

[Tom92SCm]

My local Firestone store takes old coolant for free and disposes of it. Call around. Someone is bound to take it free of charge.