Can you switch an older model car to dexcool ? I ahve been told it will destroy the waterpump if it has had the older antifreeze run through it....anyone know????

 

You need to completely flush out the old cooling system first. There can't be any old "green" antifreeze left in the system.

When I changed the rad in my 91 truck I flushed out the block and heater system before filling the cooling system back up with Dexcool.

Dexcool is one of many low silicate antifreezes. Regular antifreeze needs the chemicals topped up or the antifreeze needs to be changed every 2 years. Regular antifreeze will go acidic and sufate the rad.

The new "long life" antifreezes are good for 5 years before they need to be changed or have the chemical levels topped up. Since they don't have the sulfates, they won't plug up the rad or corrode the metals as quickly.

I'm not sure about automotive shops but you can buy antifreeze test strips from any tractor trailer supply store. The coolent strength (freeze point) is only one part of what needs to be checked. Just because it's good to -40 doesn't mean it's still good to use.

 

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...excool+coolant

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...excool+coolant