Oil & Fuel Change coolant every 2 years

[wheelbuilder]

I think not changing coolant will also shorten the life of radiators and heater cores as well. The additives in coolant do deplete in use, as well as when equipment sits. Those are what help protect seals and metals in the system.
GMs issue with their dex-cool was a chemical called 2-EHA that caused silicone based gaskets to soften. They changed the gaskets in newer models as a fix, but nearly every dex-cool copy (like prestone) contains it still. Sadly color doesn't indicate chemistry. It used to be fairly simple.

 

[Jstpssng]

I think not changing coolant will also shorten the life of radiators and heater cores as well. The additives in coolant do deplete in use, as well as when equipment sits. Those are what help protect seals and metals in the system.
GMs issue with their dex-cool was a chemical called 2-EHA that caused silicone based gaskets to soften. They changed the gaskets in newer models as a fix, but nearly every dex-cool copy (like prestone) contains it still. Sadly color doesn't indicate chemistry. It used to be fairly simple.

Could you explain this a bit more? I’m a little confused, did GM change the antifreeze configuration or the gaskets? If the latter, what is it which the DexCool copies still contain?

 

[wheelbuilder]

Could you explain this a bit more? I’m a little confused, did GM change the antifreeze configuration or the gaskets? If the latter, what is it which the DexCool copies still contain?

GM changed their gaskets composition and left the 2-EHA in the coolant. Most copies still have that in them.

 

[RjCorazza]

GM redesigned their engines (gaskets and cooling systems) to be compatible with DexCool. I know the issue went back to at least 1998, as I bought a used Pontiac with DexCool in it (it was on its second engine). I drained and flushed it out, and you would not believe the glop that came out. We ran that van for another 150k miles before trading it.
The current DexCool fluids are the same, and can do considerable harm if used in applications not recommended for Dex.

 

[RjCorazza]

A lot of antifreeze products still have 2-EHA in them. It's not a problem if the materials in a cooling system are designed for them. Best advice is to avoid 2-EHA.
As to the "glop" mentioned, DexCool doesn't like to be in contact with air. That is what forms the glop and is why GM products now have sealed systems including the coolant recovery bottle.

I believe 2-EHA is specific to DexCool and clones. My Pontiac van did not have a sealed cooling system, which accounts for the mess I had to clean up. I bought it used from a Pontiac dealer, who told me they would not warranty the car for cooling problems if I used anything but DexCool. Back then they were still drinking the GM cool aid.

 

[RustyA]

Truck has yellow extended life antifreeze and gets changed as Ford recommends every 5 years or 100k. Neighbor had John Deere 7 year old tractor that cavitated due to coolant neglect. I'm a believer in following mfrs guide for maintenance. Have never relaxed a radiator heater core or head gaskets. Have seen a lot of customer's vehicles fail due to lack of maintenance of cooling system. I'm just trying to share my experience after 35 years in the repair business. $30 worth of coolant and an hour of time seems like cheap insurance to me.

 

[wheelbuilder]

I believe 2-EHA is specific to DexCool and clones. My Pontiac van did not have a sealed cooling system, which accounts for the mess I had to clean up. I bought it used from a Pontiac dealer, who told me they would not warranty the car for cooling problems if I used anything but DexCool. Back then they were still drinking the GM cool aid.

Prestone uses 2-EHA in their all makes all models line. I am not comfortable using it. My Dad had thought anything green didn't have it, until he had issues with his cars. It was a giant PIA digging at MSDS sheets to find what was safe in the relics we use.
If the coolant meets Cummins CES 14603, it is a heavy duty coolant without 2-EHA.

 

[sixdogs]

Prestone uses 2-EHA in their all makes all models line. I am not comfortable using it. My Dad had thought anything green didn't have it, until he had issues with his cars. It was a giant PIA digging at MSDS sheets to find what was safe in the relics we use.
If the coolant meets Cummins CES 14603, it is a heavy duty coolant without 2-EHA.

Any idea about John Deere coolant?

 

[Rebeldad1]

30 years in the automotive business. nothing worse than a vehicle thats never had its coolant changed or engine oil seldem if ever changed.
Coolant nowdays is a real thorne for service work. It has to match what the manufacturer asks for. It was a PITA to have at least 6-10 kinds available.
If you follow manufactures guidelines its not uncommon to see 300,000 plus without any issues.
For all of you who dont change coolant at all or hardly ever please be upfront with any prospective buyer of your equipment or vehicle.

 

[wheelbuilder]

Any idea about John Deere coolant?

I don't believe any John Deere coolant contains 2-EHA. The older stuff was traditional heavy duty coolant that used SCAs, the newer is a GO-5, which while being a long life coolant, does not contain 2-EHA either.

 

[goeduck]

Do any oil change companies change coolant? Seems like it would be a logical add on to their business. The place I asked said they do not do it.

 

[Threepoint]

Do any oil change companies change coolant? Seems like it would be a logical add on to their business. The place I asked said they do not do it.

Valvoline, is one (at least for road vehicles ). At some of their quick-change locations and through affiliations.
Radiator & Cooling System Service - Valvoline(R)

 

[WinterDeere]

Do any oil change companies change coolant? Seems like it would be a logical add on to their business. The place I asked said they do not do it.

Planning to drive your tractor to the local Quickie Lube?

 

[goeduck]

Planning to drive your tractor to the local Quickie Lube?

No, but since the thread morphed into GM, Pontiacs and auto mechanics, I thought I would ask. But I now wonder what Quickie Lube would do if I drove up on one of my tractors. :confused2:

 

[MoMower]

5 years for the cars/trucks. Stopped dexcool supposedly eats stuff if left any longer (lost a water pump gasket and that was the suspected cause).

Tractor gets drained and filled with fresh every spring.

Cheap insurance.

 

[goeduck]

Valvoline, is one (at least for road vehicles ). At some of their quick-change locations and through affiliations.
Radiator & Cooling System Service - Valvoline(R)

Excellent, there is a Valvoline in Bremerton WA and the website lists radiator service. :thumbsup: I will still need to keep up on my 4 tractors. But this would help on my 5 road vehicles.

 

[Cougsfan]

I have read several posts on this thread inferring that cavitation around the top of the cylinder liner and cylinder head on diesel engines and the subsequent damage is somehow caused by electrolysis that resulted from not changing antifreeze. Having bad antifreeze can cause many problems, and it may contribute to this, but is usually not the primary problem. The cavitation is caused by the piston vibrating, or slapping against the sleeve resulting in wave that creates the cavitation. The pressure waves caused by vibration allow air bubbles to form on the coolant surfaces which create a condition for corrosion erosion to occur. It is a common problem that can be contributed to by numerous factors such as low antifreeze levels, worn pistons, a bad radiator cap (not allowing the cooling system to pressurize), liners that are not snug, and other things. Look it up on the internet, there are numerous articles on the subject.

I know of a pair of diesel engines on a large ocean going fishing boat that had a severe, re-occurring problem in this area despite having the factory recommended antifreeze being changed out on an annual basis. Their particular problem, as finally determined by Caterpillar, was caused by setting things up to make the engine run too cool for long periods of time. They fixed that and the problem disappeared.

 

[WinterDeere]

Fishing boats use antifreeze? I had assumed they just used sea water for cooling, like any recreational boat engine.

 

[ruffdog]

Fishing boats use antifreeze? I had assumed they just used sea water for cooling, like any recreational boat engine.

My Sea-Doo watercraft has a closed cooling system that uses antifreeze. It is pumped through the ride plate near the jet pump.

 

[goeduck]

Fishing boats use antifreeze? I had assumed they just used sea water for cooling, like any recreational boat engine.

Can be either way but using an exchanger makes for a whole lot less corrosion problems, certainly on saltwater.