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Tom Lopez · 08-04-2015, 07:24 PM

Just got back my Coolant Analysis from JG Lubricant Services and they recommend that it should be changed. What is the suggested/best coolant to use in the 2004 workhorse 8.1 W22 Chassis? What are you using?

edgray · 08-04-2015, 07:43 PM

It came with a 50/50 blend of Dexcool and water. You see lots of people claiming Dexcool is bad, but GM says it isn't and is still putting in all the vehicles they make, AFAIK. It is considered to be a "long life" coolant and worked for me for years.

WeatherTodd · 08-04-2015, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edgray

It came with a 50/50 blend of Dexcool and water. You see lots of people claiming Dexcool is bad, but GM says it isn't and is still putting in all the vehicles they make, AFAIK. It is considered to be a "long life" coolant and worked for me for years.

Dexcool is junk. All the performance guys around here get rid of it.

And 50/50 is kinda "rich" if you are trying to keep a motor "cool".

UFO Pilot · 08-04-2015, 08:26 PM

So I am curious, if Dexcool is "junk", why does GM continue to use it? What about it makes it "junk"?

mgscott4 · 08-05-2015, 02:38 AM

I don't understand why you would have it analyzed. If it is 5 years old and your concerned about it, just change it. About $25- $50 and a few hours of work, you can flush and fill.

Oemy's Web Site - Tech Tips

Ranger Smith · 08-05-2015, 05:37 AM

I use Dexcool in mine.

Why is it junk as the other poster said????

Tom Lopez · 08-05-2015, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgscott4

I don't understand why you would have it analyzed. If it is 5 years old and your concerned about it, just change it. About $25- $50 and a few hours of work, you can flush and fill.

Oemy's Web Site - Tech Tips

Because this is a new to me coach. I did not know how old or how new coolant was, it might have been just changed. The analysis tells me lots of other information about the cooling system and engine that can not be known by just changing the fluid to new. It tells me what is in the old coolant and if excessive wear, corrosion and/or contaminants or other things are possibly happening that I should be concerned about. With this analysis I know that my system is good and that I only need to be concerned with changing the coolant. The analysis could have come back with really good info about the state of the coolant and I would have to do nothing, not even change the coolant at this time. But it didn't. Now with these results there is no doubt as to what I should do. See my new thread as to what is proper sequence and procedure to replace the coolant. Before I change the coolant I need to determine and decide, based on everyone's expertise and opinions, what is the best coolant to use so please keep the comments coming so I can do the research and make an informed decision on which coolant to use

THANK YOU TO ALL

Tom Lopez · 08-05-2015, 10:53 AM

OK folks,
I'm now really unsure of what to use. I have read a lot here on the internet about dexcool and some say dexcool is good and some say dexcool is bad. So just like everything in this world 50 percent like something and 50 percent hate it.

If I choose dexcool then my question becomes which BRAND of dexcool is a wise choice? There are many to choose from, Prestone, AC Delco, Zerex, GM Vehicle Care.

62Morgan · 08-05-2015, 12:24 PM

I'm afraid your are analizing over a very simple to-do job. IF the label says Dexcool, then that's what you have, regardless of the brand. You are probably in the 2% category of those that would have an analysis done for what information gleamed. There is no substitute in-lieu-of a proper & thorough flushing to cleanse. You wanted a further peace-of-mind; and that's what you have now.

FWIW: You don't need to field a survey to decide.., nor fret over someone's opinion re: "junk". Opinions run, like water, in all directions; and some fail to "hold water" under scrutiny. If the poster does not offer any supporting evidence upon his initial post; then he has nothing of merit. Others, say junk when they are merely saying their choice might be the Cadillac. It's a look-down their nose snobbery that doesn't in the lease discredit the former brand.

WeatherTodd · 08-05-2015, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UFO Pilot

So I am curious, if Dexcool is "junk", why does GM continue to use it? What about it makes it "junk"?

I would guess mooolah would be the answer. Ask a radiator shop if they like Dexcool "clean out" jobs.

WeatherTodd · 08-05-2015, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ranger Smith

I use Dexcool in mine.

Why is it junk as the other poster said????

why? It gums up cooling systems. Notorious for causing issues.

My own personal experience... that garbage coolant cost me a new radiator, water pump, and heater core on a previous RV.

Crossingover · 08-07-2015, 07:57 AM

New to me '08 Bounder W24 8.1 Vortec w/20K miles. Is there anything unusual with the coolant change procedure v. a car? I've done several cars myself and am well past the 5 year change interval with the Bounder.

WeatherTodd · 08-07-2015, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crossingover

New to me '08 Bounder W24 8.1 Vortec w/20K miles. Is there anything unusual with the coolant change procedure v. a car? I've done several cars myself and am well past the 5 year change interval with the Bounder.

no but I would probably change the cap at the same time... just for piece of mind. Also flush the heater core.

Tom Lopez · 08-08-2015, 02:24 PM

Thanks to everyone. I have decided to use the prestone dexcool. Since the chassis came with dexcool and has worked well and my coolant analysis came back ok dexcool must be ok.