What anti freeze in an 8.1

[olley]

hi guys question has probably been asked before, but what anti freeze should I put in my 8.1 and can I use any available, or must I use a certain type.

Thanks Olley

[olley]

hi guys question has probably been asked before, but what anti freeze should I put in my 8.1 and can I use any available, or must I use a certain type.

Thanks Olley

[troth]

Olley, in an emergency you can use "any available", but for warranty purposes and peace of mind, it's supposed to be GM's DexCool only.
Reportedly there are Brand X "DexCool Equivalents" out there, but I've heard nothing pro or con (except that they're less costly). I'd stay with the GM DexCool if you can; it's not that expensive and gives the recommended protection.

[olley]

Hi troth, thanks for the reply, the snag is can I get Dexcool here in the UK? Will have to ask around.

And I am not sure that as it was a private import, whether its got any warranty.

Olley

PS just googled it and there appears to be problems with using it, see this site >>>HERE<<< Anybody got anymore info?

[troth]

Wow!!! Thanks for the link Olley. I had no idea there are DexCool problems...
Maybe DriVer can comment here.

[DriVer]

olley,

If you can't get Dexcool then you can use conventional anti freeze. The maintenace interval will be shortened to about 50,000 US miles but I see no problem using a good brand of coolant from BP or Shell.

[oemtech]

After reading the articles from Oillie's link I am beginning to have reservations about Dex Cool. I have never believed 100k plugs nor do I believe in 150K coolant - just to many variables.

[M&EM]

Maybe it's just a marketing ploy for the benefit of the first buyer....who likely will trade by 50k miles or 3 years.

[ruppr]

Reading the reports on it from the website, kinda makes you wonder about all the heater core failures we've been reading about here.

Best,

[MikeT]

I believe in Santa !!!!!

[DriVer]

I am planning on changing the coolant in my engine this year regardless of miles. I think 4 to 5 years is enough.

[depchief]

I never believed in the extended milage and time. Have had to replace intake manifold gaskets and the heater hose connection to the manifold on a '97 Yukon.
Will certainly look closer at coolant levels and condition after reading the reports.
MH presently has 21K and I think it should be OK for this year, but have had to add small amounts from time to time.