Correct Anti-Freeze???

[cudabob496]

I use regular green Prestone anti-freeze.  But for my Aluminum LS-1 I have to use
orange Prestone DEX-Cool to protect aluminum components. So why the heck have
I not been using Dex-Cool in my Cuda, with all its aluminum components???

[73_Cuda_4_Me]

 

 

[734406pk]

I use regular green Prestone anti-freeze.  But for my Aluminum LS-1 I have to use
orange Prestone DEX-Cool to protect aluminum components. So why the heck have
I not been using Dex-Cool in my Cuda, with all its aluminum components???

Wow! That's opening a big box of scorpions! I use green Prestone formulated for aluminum (high silicate) classic cars. I stay away from The HOAT organic acid base antifreeze at all costs. That's just me though! 

[cudabob496]

OH GREAT, I PUT SOME ORANGE IN MY CAR!!!!!

Q: Can I mix green coolant with orange coolant?
This is one of those questions usually asked after the fact, and usually engine damage has already occurred. The green and orange coolants do not mix. When mixed together they form a gel-like substance that stops coolant flow and consequently the engine overheats.

There are some coolants that claim compatibility with Dexcool, but I would rather err conservatively and add what the system is supposed to take rather than gamble. To guard against major engine failure, read on.

What exactly happens when these coolants are mixed?
The coolants chemically react and form a gel rather than a liquid. The coolant stops flowing through the system, clogs up coolant passageways and water jackets, radiators, and heater cores. The water pump overheats and fails due to a lack of lubricant in the coolant. Head gaskets blow, heads warp, and the engine suffers major damage.

[cudabob496]

hard to believe, if true, that GM would make an orange antifreeze, that if accidently mixed with green
antifreeze, it forms a gel and destroys your engine!!!!

[734406pk]

OH GREAT, I PUT SOME ORANGE IN MY CAR!!!!!

Q: Can I mix green coolant with orange coolant?
This is one of those questions usually asked after the fact, and usually engine damage has already occurred. The green and orange coolants do not mix. When mixed together they form a gel-like substance that stops coolant flow and consequently the engine overheats.

There are some coolants that claim compatibility with Dexcool, but I would rather err conservatively and add what the system is supposed to take rather than gamble. To guard against major engine failure, read on.

What exactly happens when these coolants are mixed?
The coolants chemically react and form a gel rather than a liquid. The coolant stops flowing through the system, clogs up coolant passageways and water jackets, radiators, and heater cores. The water pump overheats and fails due to a lack of lubricant in the coolant. Head gaskets blow, heads warp, and the engine suffers major damage.

Here come the scorpions! LOL!
Drain and flush the cooling system if you have any second thoughts.

[cudabob496]

yep, doing it now.
The orange has to be used in GM cars back from the 1990s, or it voids
the warranty.

[Cudakiller70]

  Wow that's some warranty 

[cudabob496]

so, if I flush system, should I use orange, since its made for aluminum?

[cudabob496]

OK, Car and Driver says if car born with green, stick with green. I'm still gonna add Royal Purple
additive for coolant.

http://www.caranddriver.com/columns/top-it-up-with-green-or-orange-which-antifreeze

[Beekeeper]

Good article. Glad I read this thread. I've used different kinds over the years without thinking too much about it. Makes me want to flush all my cars. I always worry about stuff corroding away since they aren't daily drivers.

[cudabob496]

Good article. Glad I read this thread. I've used different kinds over the years without thinking too much about it. Makes me want to flush all my cars. I always worry about stuff corroding away since they aren't daily drivers.

adding zincs gives extra protection.
Also, article noted that corrosion protection chemicals in anti-freeze degrade over time.

[60K T/A]

I use red anti freeze in all my engines and stick a anode in my rad. I also flushed the orange from my LS1 and replaced it with red.

[xtopfuel]

I do believe the red and green are exact chemicals but Toyota colored the coolant to red, many confuse red with orange

[cudabob496]

Ya, I just refilled the coolant system with about a 80%/20% water/Prestone
ratio, because the more water, the better cooling.  And, put in two bottles
of Purple Ice.  Also, on Prestone bottle, it says mix with any color, so all these
diff colors seem to be a big smoke screen.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/rpo-01600