DexCool ok in 445?

[Snap]

Is it ok to use DexCool to try to extend change intervals?

Alternatively how about Honda Type 2, long interval coolant?


This is what they say about the Honda coolant:
Honda Type 2 coolant is an ethylene glycol base product for extra long lasting aluminum component protection. Honda coolant has been developed to provide corrosion and rust protection of all cooling system components. Requires no additional corrosion inhibitors. When used as directed in Honda vehicles, this coolant will give complete protection for 5 years or 60,000 miles. No additional water is required. 50/50 Prediluted antifreeze. DO NOT ADD WATER!!
Contains: Water 7732-18-5, Ethylene glycol 107-21-1, Diethylene glycol 111-46-6. Using great than 30 ppm of a bittering agent.
Meets: ASTM D-3306 ~ ASTM D-4340

 

[k0ua]

I would not use Dex cool, I dont even use it in my GM car. If the system is kept sealed so that no air can get to it It can work ok, but I sure would not use it in my tractor. It does not have silicates, it uses organic acid technology. I suspect you tractor is designed to use silicated (ordinary green) antifreeze. here is some light reading.. there are thousands more.



http://www.imcool.com/articles/antifreeze-coolant/CPM-52-DEXArticle-Excerpt.pdf


MACS 2001: GM and Texaco “Bare All” about DEX-COOL®

Dex-cool Contamination


James K0UA

 

[beenthere]

I totally agree with k0ua, if that is of any help.
As soon as I can I get it out of my GM cars too (after a couple years and hopefully before it starts messing things up). And I ad my own water, as it is cheaper than buying water already added and shipped as in the Honda mix. May just be me.

 

[Snap]

Thanks kOua.
It looks like DexCool is not good.

The tractor is a 1997 and the manual says JD Diesel Engine Anti-Freeze, either TY16036 or TY16034, even though it is an aluminum gasoline Kawasaki engine.

The aluminum engined motorcycle that I have highly recommends coolant without silicates for the sake of the water pump longevity.
Would the same train of though apply to the tractor?

What about other long life options?
I am less than prompt on coolant changes and have dogs in the yard, so I seem to postpone the inevitable spills.

 

[greg_g]

The aluminum engined motorcycle that I have highly recommends coolant without silicates for the sake of the water pump longevity. Would the same train of though apply to the (aluminum Kawasaki engined) tractor?

After a complete drain and thorough chemical flush, I wouldn't be afraid to refill with DexCool. Just never mix it with other type anti-freeze

//greg//

 

[sunnyside360]

I know this doesn't answer the question directly but I'd stick with the John Deere coolant. I've seen previous threads on the topic which provided scientific reasoning behind it (which I do not remember) so I just play it safe and use the John Deere stuff.

 

[k0ua]

I would stick with what the manufacture suggests also. If the manual suggests that an OAT (organic acid technology) anti-freeze is ok then OK use it if you want, but in my case the manual of my tractor calls for a conventional anti-freeze. So that is what I will use. Remember that OAT antifreeze (like dex-cool) is still poison to animals if that was what you were thinking.

James K0UA

 

[Snap]

Decided on the long interval JD Cool-Guard II. Actually it's the only one the dealer had.

There just seem to be too many ways to trip up and after talking to the Prestone Rep (with who's accent I could barely understand, which in itself is confounding because Prestone HQ is based in my state), it got even more convoluted. I got the impression from that conversation that there is no such thing as good old fashioned antifreeze, not as I used to know it. It was a requirement to sanitize the system of all traces of someone else's coolant before using any Preston variant. Kind of reminded me of catacism lessons of 50 years ago...condemnation for eternity for even speaking the name of another denomination.

I was trying to avoid the long haul to the JD dealer because we only have 2 real ones in the state, but I needed to keep the ball rolling before this borrowed weather ends.

 

[greg_g]

I would stick with what the manufacture suggests also.

All JD manuals push JD fluids first, that's a given. But the 455 manual also says that - in the absence of JD products - any glycol antifreeze that satisfies ATSM 4985 specs is suitable. Ethylene-glycol based DexCool satisfies ASTM 4985

//greg//

 

[beenthere]

greg_g
Have you experience with DexCool? Have you seen the sludge that it turns into over time? Just wondering.
I have, and is the reason I wouldn't recommend using DexCool. I still have it in my '09 TrailBlazer but have noticed the sludge build-up so will be changing it out soon.
My '02 Trailblazer had it in longer, and about didn't get it cleaned out in time. Was more expensive and time consuming to flush it out well.