Tahoe & Suburban The power, space, and brutal towing ability make the Tahoe and its longer sibling, the Suburban, arguably the best full size SUV's on the market today.

2013 Chevrolet Suburban
Platform: GMT 400, 800, 900
Old Jul 24, 2015, 4:44 PM
How-Tos on this Topic
Last edit by: IB Advertising
See related guides and technical advice from our community experts:

Browse all: Engine and Powertrian
Print Wikipost

Coolant fluid change

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 31, 2012 | 4:13 PM
  #1  
rickp's Avatar
Thread Starter
CF Junior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Default Coolant fluid change

Hey guys,

I'm planning on changing my radiator fluid as soon as my DEI Radiator Relief gets here. I spoke to one of their reps and he suggested I also add a water pump lubricant, so I'm wondering what product you guys recommend for that?



Thanks in advance for any feedback.



R.
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2012 | 4:49 PM
  #2  
67Motorcat's Avatar
CF Active Member
 
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 181
Likes: 1
From: Pinehurst NC
Default

I have always trusted good ole' glycol (Prestone) type antifreeze.

Loose the DEXCOOL with a through flush.No need for expensive additives with regular maintenance.

Never had a cooling system issue with the "green" stuff in over 30 years unlike lots of people using the "red" stuff.

Just need to change it more often which is a good idea anyway.Cooling systems are arguably the most neglected system in vehicles today.
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2012 | 5:11 PM
  #3  
rickp's Avatar
Thread Starter
CF Junior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Default

Well, I was actually going to go with the DEI Radiator relief and destilled water. I've read and heard some good stuff about it. I wanted to get some more info on it so I called the manufacturer and he suggested using a water pump lube just to play it safe.
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2012 | 9:22 PM
  #4  
MDTAHOE's Avatar
Super Moderator
Professional Mechanic
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,950
Likes: 5
From: Bowie, MD
Default

Use the water pump lube they recommend
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2012 | 10:06 PM
  #5  
rickp's Avatar
Thread Starter
CF Junior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by MDTAHOE
Use the water pump lube they recommend
they didn't, hence this question here. Sorry for the ignorance guys, but i'm just getting into this.
Reply
Old Nov 1, 2012 | 8:58 PM
  #6  
in2pro's Avatar
Administrator
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 7,573
Likes: 47
From: Austin, Texas
Default

I just changed the coolant in my 07 and replaced it with a 50/50 pre mix of dex-cool, it was 5 yrs old. I found no issues with the fittings, all clean and pit free... my parts person tells me that people that have had problems with dex-cool, are having it because it turns acidic if its allowed to get too hot from getting low. ( poor maintenance)
I did not add any other conditioners
Reply
Old Nov 3, 2012 | 4:34 PM
  #7  
67Motorcat's Avatar
CF Active Member
 
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 181
Likes: 1
From: Pinehurst NC
Default

Agreed,some people will have no issues with Dex-Cool, others will.

One thing to keep in mind though is if your buy the "50/50 Mix",whether Green or Red,you are buying 50% that is just water.

The greatest marketing ploy on earth.Then when you add a bit if water to top it off you are below 50/50....

I would advise to not waste money on pre-mixed antifreeze and buy a gallon of distilled water instead if you want to spend money on water.

Of course that is just my opinion .
Reply
Old Nov 3, 2012 | 5:37 PM
  #8  
in2pro's Avatar
Administrator
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 7,573
Likes: 47
From: Austin, Texas
Default

I opted for the premix because I wasn't fully flushing only replacing what came out when the hoses were removed. I didn't know how much I was going to need so the premix was best option for me..
Reply
Old Nov 3, 2012 | 6:06 PM
  #9  
kevinkpk's Avatar
CF Monarch
10 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 5,920
Likes: 139
From: kevinkpk
Default

I think what 67 was refering to wasn't the need for water 50/50 mix per say, but if the antifreeze is the same price for 50/50 and full concentrate buy the concentrate. I went back two years ago in my 2000 suburban with dexcool after a flush. Lumina specs dexcool for it. I got it used, had glycol, flushed it, replaced ALL hoses, went back with glycol (green). Mazda I think uses dexcool also, it is time for it to also get a flushing hopefully before the (my predicition) of a hard midwest winter.
Reply
Old Nov 29, 2012 | 4:26 PM
  #10  
rickp's Avatar
Thread Starter
CF Junior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Default

Hey guys,
I'm due to flush and replace the coolant on my 02 Tahoe LT 5.3L.

In the manual it says to remove the cylinder block plugs and drain the coolant. Here's my question, I've looked all over the bottom of that engine and I can't find any cylinder plug. Could it be possible that my truck doesn't have them. As per the book there's supposed to be 2 of them, one on each side.

If I dont' have them, what i was planning on doing to flush the system was to drain the radiator by the drain plug, then disconnect the main radiator hose, stick the water hose in the radiator turn the water and engine on, put the heater on high and let everything flush out. Am I on track here?

Thanks guys.
R.
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:17 AM.