Drive the car around 1500 miles each summer. How often should I replace the water and anti-frezze. Should it be a complete engine flush and refill? thanks.

This is almost as bad as the question @ how many miles should i change the oil & filter & what is the best oil ./ LOL!!!!!!

It's not just about the miles,its the age of the anti corrosion additives etc in the coolant that get old, weak,and inaffective over time that's an issue too.

So for me its changed 2-3 yrs/approx 36k miles which ever comes 1st when running std coolant not the dexcool or any hi tech stuff.

Scott

James, I change the anti-freeze in all of my cars ever other year, due to the coolant getting acidic from the short drives these cars go on.

IMPO it is alot cheaper to replace the anti-freeze than the costly and hard to find parts on these old cars.

Do you guys run a coolant flush or just drain it and refill with fresh?

I try to avoid the flush by just draining and refilling every two years. It make hoses and seals last longer.

In the past, I have had bad things happen when flushing.

This is almost as bad as the question @ how many miles should i change the oil & filter & what is the best oil ./ LOL!!!!!!

It's not just about the miles,its the age of the anti corrosion additives etc in the coolant that get old, weak,and inaffective over time that's an issue too.

So for me its changed 2-3 yrs/approx 36k miles which ever comes 1st when running std coolant not the dexcool or any hi tech stuff.

Scott

Thanks Scott. I put new coolant in when I recored the radiator in the spring of 06. Would you recommend using dexcool?

And what about a full flush? Or just drain the block and radiator every 2 yrs.

Thanks.

Would you recommend using dexcool?

:noway: no way.

Dexcool will get your seals and freeze plugs leaking.


Also, dexcool will gel-up in your radiator clogging rows in the core.

Seek additional advice about this subject from your local radiator shop.:thumbsup:

:noway: no way.

Dexcool will get your seals and freeze plugs leaking.


Also, dexcool will gel-up in your radiator clogging rows in the core.

Seek additional advice about this subject from your local radiator shop.:thumbsup:


Thanks, I wonder why it was mentioned. Just going to napa to get a couple of gallons.

:noway: no way.

Dexcool will get your seals and freeze plugs leaking.


Also, dexcool will gel-up in your radiator clogging rows in the core.

Seek additional advice about this subject from your local radiator shop.:thumbsup:
The problems with Dexcool were solved years ago. Seen any issues lately?

I happily use the coolant about twice or three times as long as "recommended"; regular coolant routinely goes 5+ years in my vehicles; the extended life stuff goes...well...I don't know. It's been in my work truck for close to ten years; and still looks beautiful.

I have ZERO issues with overheating or coolant leaks that can be blamed on the coolant; and no obvious signs of corrosion in the water jackets.

Dumping coolant every two years is wasteful. At least TEST it before you dump perfectly good two-year coolant. Test strips are readily available and not horribly expensive.
Amazon.com: Cool-Trak 311519 Coolant Testing Strips - Set of 50: Automotive