Do I need to change my coolant yet?

[dav305z]

I have a 2000 Grand Prix with 86k on it. Never flushed the coolant, just topped it off once about 20k ago. I'm thinking I should change the coolant at some point, but the thing is, the car has never had one issue with overheating. Just the other day, I was idling in 95 degree weather with the air blasting, and the needle didn't move above 185*.

Do I need to think about changing it yet or should I just leave it be?

[rbarrios]

if it has the red stuff (dexcool)
I think the rule of thumb is 5 years or 150,000 miles....

since youre past the 5 yrs--- I think its time to change it.
I think its the chemicals that degrade over time (the chemicals that protect the aluminum engone parts--- I believe)

[AMERICA 123]

Have you owned it since new ???

If not, what exactly is the whole maintenance history on this and how does that compare with what the owner's manual says is required ????

[dav305z]

Owned the car since new. It's had regular oil and transmission fluid changes, but have just never done antifreeze. What's the process? I know the basics but was unsure as to whether I can just flush regular tap water through the system or if I need to get fancy and use distilled water?

[AMERICA 123]

Ok, - and what does your owners manual say the scheduled maintenance is for the coolant and cooling system ?

Distilled or deionized is always preferable and in some cases one over the other.

Do you have a GM Dealer nearby that you 'work' with or would be comfortable starting a relationship with ?

If no to all that, - an independent ?

[T-Type]

I would change it. The issue with old coolant is not that the motor will start to overheat, it's that it loses it corrosion protection abilities over time. Be sure to flush the system before you put the new coolant it.

To flush it you can get one of those kits to attach a garden hose to your heater hose. Then you can flush it per the kits directions. However, nowadays you are supposed to recycle the coolant. If you don't want to dump it down the sewer drain, you'll have to collect every thing that comes out of the radiator. That means you can't use the garden hose method. The other method for a do-it-yourselfer would be to drain the cooling system and refill it with water. Run the engine until the thermostat opened and then drain it again. Repeat this process 4-5 times or until the coolant comes out clear. The block will still have a lot of water in it so do the final fill with pure antifreeze, not a premix. One of those coolant mix tools will help make sure your mix is right (50/50%). Generally just adding pure coolant to a block full of water will get you to the 50/50 mix.

Distilled water is preferred. However knowing that you can't empty the block would mean that you have to flush the system with distilled water. If you don't want the hassle of buying a dozen gallons of distilled water, tap water can be used without dire consequences occuring.

[AMERICA 123]

It's so far past ...... and with some other considerations in mind - taking this one to a 'shop' will most likely be more cost efficient - in the long run.

This is ( I'm guessing ) a 2000 3.8L of some sort with 8 year old Dex cool in it.

The key item no matter the engine/model is "8".

[rbarrios]

shops use some special machine right?
that refills with new stuff as the old is removed..?
Ive been thinking of doing mine- (2003 trailblazer- with 128,500 miles)..
But Im going to change the hoses too...

hmmmmmm----Im fairly certain that my dexcool has not sludged up.... because of what I saw when I changed my thermostat at 112,000.
Im tempted to remove the hoses--- replace them- and in the process catch as much used coolant as possible (recycle).
Since theres no sludge.... I may just be tempted to refill with new premixed solution. and continue to drive the car...
this is what it looked like when I changed the thermostat....I can still see the details from the foam casting---...this is with112,000 miles...
I dont think it requires a flush....?

[Smaart Aas Saabr]

nope... wouldn't replace hoses either unless they are soft

[AMERICA 123]

The thing you want to respect with Dexcool is the 5 year limit.

The first year or 1.5 or 2 or 2.5 or 3.0....... ( can't remember ) it was a 5 year / 100,000 mile limit which ever came first.

Then we got to the 5 year / 150,000 mile interval.

I have seen some at 7 and a half looking strong, and I've seen some at just under 6 looking bad - sometimes real bad.

Stick to the owner's manual - no more than 5 years.

[rbarrios]

didnt I see somewhere that the hoses are to be replaced at 150K... ?
Now im curious....

[GMCSonoma]

Originally Posted by rbarrios

didnt I see somewhere that the hoses are to be replaced at 150K... ?
Now im curious....

I just serviced my 1998 Park Avenue @ 138K...I think it might have been serviced once during a plenum repair (it had 2)

The hoses are original and still OK...I did replace the T-Stat, coolant sensor and rad cap as they were gunked up. I used a HOAT type coolant and distilled water...my engine running temps are down about 5*....

Maybe next summer if I still have the car I will replace the hoses before they discontinue!

[kw02]

Originally Posted by GMCSonoma

I just serviced my 1998 Park Avenue @ 138K...I think it might have been serviced once during a plenum repair (it had 2)

The hoses are original and still OK...I did replace the T-Stat, coolant sensor and rad cap as they were gunked up. I used a HOAT type coolant and distilled water...my engine running temps are down about 5*....

Maybe next summer if I still have the car I will replace the hoses before they discontinue!

HOAT?

[GMCSonoma]

http://www.babcox.com/editorial/bf/bf060572.htm