Dexcool vs old green antifreeze???

[HAFROD]

Would there be any problems for me to use the orange Dexcool antifreeze instead of the regular green antifreeze? My engine is on the stand and all new, heater core is new in box, and getting ready to buy a new radiator. So basically there are no traces of old antifreeze. The reason I ask is, I have 4 brand new gallons of the orange crap here already.

 

[HAFROD]

Also, if I can use it, does it get mixed 50/50 like the old green stuff?

 

[mac61891]

With a clean system, there would be no issues using the DEXCool. Yes, you would mix 50/50 like the Green.

 

[Blake442]

You can, but I wouldn't use the orange stuff personally...
I've seen way too many times how bad it can trash what it comes into contact with.
That said, if you do use it it gets mixed 50/50 just like the green stuff.

 

[L92 OLDS]

There is a lot of BS on the interweb about how bad the Dexcool is. From an engineering perspective, the claims are not valid.
GM still uses the stuff and I have not had any issues with it but with that said, I would likely stick to the green formulation for my G body for peace of mind. This link has a some good information you may want to read through....Some important take aways are 1) use distilled water 2) keep system topped off 3) do not allow air into the system. Propylene glycol will create lactic acid when exposed to air and heat.

http://www.getahelmet.com/jeeps/maint/dexcool/

 

[Longroof79]

I've heard some negative feedback a while back regarding the use of Dex-Cool. There was some issues about it eating intake gaskets on some earlier aluminum V-6 engines. I don't know how much truth there was in that observation.
I have used it in my car for a short period of time, and shortly afterward I flushed the system and went back to the green stuff

 

[-83MONTESS-]

Every vehicle I have ever had with Dexcool requires an additive to be added every so many thousands of miles. Not sure if it was from the factory like that or a thing that GM came out with after the complaints started coming in. I have never had an issue with Dexcool and I wouldnt hesitate from using it but if I had a brand new dry system I would definately go with the regular green stuff you can find everywhere.

 

[oldsjunkie]

After replacing intake gaskets on 2 different 3.8s that were in well maintained cars, I wouldn't let it anywhere near my engine. YMMV of course, but seeing the amount of sludge and the degree of gasket damage in these particular engines, I wouldn't chance it for the $25 bucks.

 

[thepcsurgeon]

The orange stuff is sticky and I have had minor issues with it. The March unit on my motor and the neoprene gaskets do not like the TANG stuff in my case. Flushed the crap out of the cooling system, ran water and purple ice for the summer. Flushed it again in the fall and used good ole Prestone for the winter nap. Never overheated in the summer and ran better, imo..only creeped up to 200* once this summer. During last winter with the TANG, all the March gaskets leaked all winter, replaced the gaskets, and the leaking started again in 2 weeks.
I have seen no benefit from using tang.

 

[Bonnewagon]

As stated, the key is using distilled water, especially with an aluminum radiator. In fact my aluminum unit demanded distilled water only. I have used the orange stuff for years and have had absolutely no problems. Just remember, long life does not mean unlimited life. You still need to flush and service the Dexcool just like the old stuff, just not as often.