sludge!!!

[Christopherrr]

I hate Dex-COOL!!! Why does it sludge up??? I know there are posts on this already...but does anyone know why it sludges up???

I took my cap off just to see the level and condition of the coolant...brown gookie sludge!!! I change the coolant every 30K because of the build up I get, will going to the green stuff be okay? Every other company seems to use it...and I'm sure they have aluminum parts too.

[DeWynter]

The best coolant to use is deisel coolant IMO. does the same job with out shugars in the coolant (in case you blow a head gasket no carbon scoring) plus it never builds up sludge. I have used it for years in my third gen firebirds with no problems. I figure if it good enough for an 18 wheeler with 900,000 km on the original engine then its probably ok for my car. Plus its all we ever have around the shop

[Joe 1320]

Use distilled water instead of regular tap water and you'll get better results.

[SS_CarGuy]

If you do a Google search on "Dex Cool" you will find a wealth of information out there. Personally, I never had a problem with it in my Camaro. In your case though, I would have the system totally flushed and switch to the green stuff. Since GM still uses the Dex Cool in all their brand new cars, I believe it is probably OK and whatever has caused the problems in the past has been remedied. From the postings I saw on the internet though, I'm sure many would dispute that.

[raroZ28]

Use distilled water instead of regular tap water and you'll get better results.

Bingo. Most people don't know this. They use their regular water and wonder why their radiator goes to crap.

[fastTa]

Distilled water definitely helps. But the main reason that people develop sludge with dex-cool is because of an improper mixture ratio. You have to have at least a 50-50 mixture of dex-cool and water. A little heavy on the dex-cool doesn't hurt, but having too much water with the dex-cool will actually cause electrolysis to occur within the radiator and cause the "sludging" you described.

The new Prestone "yellow" is supposed to be OK for all coolant systems.

[Christopherrr]

Distilled water definitely helps. But the main reason that people develop sludge with dex-cool is because of an improper mixture ratio. You have to have at least a 50-50 mixture of dex-cool and water. A little heavy on the dex-cool doesn't hurt, but having too much water with the dex-cool will actually cause electrolysis to occur within the radiator and cause the "sludging" you described.

The new Prestone "yellow" is supposed to be OK for all coolant systems.

Hmmm...I'm pretty anal when it comes with this stuff...but I'ma do a good flush and be extra anal. Thanks guys..

[bigtow]

Hmmm...I'm pretty anal when it comes with this stuff...but I'ma do a good flush and be extra anal. Thanks guys..

hmm car colnics now then is it