To Dexcool or Not

[sgrim9]

I recently purchased a 96 Camry. It came with a stack of service records from the previous owner. The last time the cooling system was serviced (new water pump, coolant, tstat, ect) the mechanic, for whatever reason, put Dexcool in.

I want to flush the system and replace the coolant. So I am debating whether to just stick with Dexcool, since its already in there, or change colors and run the risk mixing colors. I guess what I really want to know is which option will do the least potential damage?

[TRD VVTi]

You could stick with Dex Cool or switch to Toyota Long Life.

I'm not sure if they are compatible with each other. I doubt that any damage will occur if you mix them.

If it were mine, I'd drain the system (block and radiator), flush with clean water, drain the system again, and install the correct Toyota coolant.

[rn8849]

I am pretty happy with the coolant system flushes I have had from some of these quickie oil change places. I always stay with my car while they work on it though 'cuz I'm pretty particular about who works on my cars. The ones I have had done worked like the T-Tech Transmission flush that pushes new fluid in as the old fluid comes out. It's not as 1:1 as the T-Tech but it is pretty close. They may not want to do it though, since you have a different type of coolant but it doesn't hurt to ask them. I would want them to agree ahead of time to continue to flush it until I was satisfied that they had done a thorough job of getting the old stuff out. If you just drain your old stuff a lot of it will remain in the heater core, cooling jackets, hoses, etc. A power flush will get all of that changed too much like the way the T-Tech gets the old fluid out of the torque converter, clutch packs, accumulators, valve body, modulators, etc. that drain and refills will NEVER get. Plus you don't have to find a way to get rid of the old coolant, which for me, is a big deal.

Gary

BTW, what the heck is the deal with all of these majorly irritating links that pop up a window when you accidentally mouse over them?????????

[TRD_EarBanger]

I'm not sure if they are compatible with each other. I doubt that any damage will occur if you mix them.

Just mix them and yu will find out if they are compatible with each other or not without wasting time reading labels and so on. If your coolant turns to mush then they are probalby not. Save time on the coolant flush

[Miranthis]

If it were me I'd flush the dex cool and use the fluid that was intended to be there. You know that GM just settled (march of 2008 - google it if you like) a big class action about Dexcool in the engines it is SUPPOSED to be in. It was alleged to be ruining gaskets and causing all sorts of engine trouble. Why invite that with more dexcool where it was never inteded to be? I'm just sayin'....

Jeff

[rn8849]

Really, really good point Jeff, I forgot about that whole mess.

Gary