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Sedans Chevrolet Aveo Chevy Aveo Radiator/Coolant System
9 messages, Last post on May 08, 2009 at 6:56 AM
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I know that you SHOULD pressure flush most radiators every 2 years, and refill with new coolant, of course. The chemicals in the coolant 'break down' around the 2 year mark, so I have always been told. My questions are. (1) Is it still the 2 year mark for flushing the coolant system for the Aveo, or does it have that long lasting coolant in it, that lasts like for 5 years? (2) OR would adding one of those pint bottles of Prestone 'Anti Rust/Water Pump Lubricant' additive, be just as good? I drain out like 1 pint of coolant, so it doesn't overflow, and just pour it in the radiator. It is suppose to replace the 'protective chemicals' in the coolant and help lubricate the water pump and make it last longer. I did use it in one of my Ford Rangers, at the 3 year mark, and the radiator never had any rust develop. I drive so little...I have a 2006 Aveo Hatchback, and it only has 9,700 miles. Does that change the time period to change the coolant and maybe make this an option? Should I spend all that money on an expensive professional flushing? OR spend just $6.00 on a bottle of that radiator coolant additive? Any opinions? I take very good care of my little car. But this is the first 'non warranty' maintenance thing I have had to think about doing, other than oil and filter changes of course.
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Replying to: flaaveo (Sep 18, 2008 7:06 pm) Adding additives doesn't preserve the useful life of the antifreeze.
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Replying to: poncho167 (Sep 20, 2008 7:12 am)
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Replying to: flaaveo (Sep 25, 2008 3:00 pm) Interestingly, GM has had some issues with Dexicool. It seems that some 3.4, 3.8, 4.3 L engines had some gaskets that couldn't handle the formula leading to manifold gasket leaks and recalls.
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Yes it has Dexicool 100,000 miles Don't mix regular stuff with it. |
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Replying to: poncho167 (Oct 02, 2008 3:02 pm) The early formula of DexCool had an oxidation inhibitor that didn't work well. To the best I can tell that was replaced with a different chemical after nylon-66 gasket problems became apparent. I would guess that was about 98-99. IF you have DexCool, do not add any standard old short life green antifreeze to it. That will lead to a gooey mixture. Check radiator occasionally to be sure it is full. DexCool doesn't like being run hot with air present as in a low radiator. Your reservoir tank may be full but the radiator may be low if you have a seep or leak. There is a newer Prestone Mixes with All Colors and types of Coolant that mixes with it. Some people have used that when draining and refilling their DexCool instead of DexCool. If you look at the bottle which now lists chemicals, DexCool and the Mixes Any Color have the same 4 long life chemicals that are meant to protect coolant systems with various metals present. Long life DexCool should be replaced every 2-3 years just like regular antifreeze. I would consider a drain where you use the radiator drain or remove a lower hose effective enough.. I rinse mine refilling with plain water a couple of cycles and run the motor to circulate several minutes then drain. I refill with enough pure antifreeze to give protection to the level needed for the volume of the cooling system (listed in owners glovebox manual). Another hint for some is to clean off the underside of the radiator cap. There's a little disc that goes up to seal the underside when pressure builds up. With DexCool mine had collected goop so I used some Dawn and cleaned it up for a good seal. |
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I have an old antifreeze tester that has the glass tube with a floating indicator in it. The indicator has green bands with temperatures on it and immediately below has white bands with temperatures. If I recall correctly one of those was for hot antifreeze and one was for cool antifreeze. Does anyone know how those are to be read? How accurate are the floating ball types that are the size of a large medicine dropper with 5 little balls. Are those accurate HOT or COLD? |
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i have a 04 Aveo sedan, need to do a flush and fill. i was told i need special fluid, am i being jerked around?
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Replying to: royston (May 02, 2009 5:37 pm) |
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