Since it needs changing every 2 years. I prefer not to spend $18 for a gallon of coolant. Stock 350 with a composite aluminum/ plastic radiator.

 

The old green anti freeze caused a condition known as solder bloom and was not helpful to the cooling system and components.

The yellow , long life anti freeze is supposed to be a lot better and slower additive depletion. Check it out.

 

Solder bloom. I never heard of it so I looked it up. There was solder in the old school radiators . I don’t think there is any, or can’t be much in the new plastic/aluminum radiators like I have. I don’t think it should be an issue. Coolant has gotten ridiculously expensive theses days . My truck has the green stuff in it and I’m inclined to stay with that. I’m just looking for the cheapest brand. Thst might typically be the Walmart house brand but they seem to not carry it any longer.

 

You can run the old green coolant for three years, not two. They also sell antifreeze additives, which are what wear out, to extend the life of the coolant another year or so. As for prices, like everything, costs have gone up.

 

Changing types means meticulously removing all the green coolant no easy feat. The benefits and longevity of the universal coolant is seriously jeopardized if you don’t .

 

I had no issues flushing it out with a garden hose. Dexcool is the good coolant (5 years!). $18 is insignificant considering how often you need to buy it.

 

I’ve also heard the universal coolant isn’t as good for iron and the only information that I read about coolant extending products is by the company’s that make them. If there’s no cheap green coolant I’ll have to bite the bullet. Thanks to everyone that helped.

 

My understanding is the rust inhibitors in the green stuff coat the iron and are not easily flushed away. They contaminate the yellow coolant shortening that 5 year life expectancy. I found green coolant for $10.83 a gallon at Amazon. If you buy 3 they ship it for free so that’s where I’m headed.

 

did you see any real world data and photos to back up those claims?

If you flush it out thoroughly with water, drive around a bit, flush it again, I think that it will be fine.

 

My goal isn’t to change coolant types. It’s to find the least expensive green coolant. The inter web is loaded with information about how to move from one coolant type to another and why not to. I actually answered my own question . Amazon sells the green stuff for $10.00 a gallon and if you have Prime or spend $25.00 or more they will ship it free. That’s as cheap as I think I can expect. Iam going to buy 3 and avoid any potential problems real or imagined. Thanks again to everyone.