the other day was checking where leak was coming from (water pump have to wait till sat. to change) was adding more water this morning and notice my coolant was rust colored, didnt notice it before. Plan to flush system when changing water pump. is this normal? Thanks

 

Factory OE Dexcool should be bright orange and semi-translucent (think Orange Crush or Gatorade). If it's a murky rusty orange then a coolant flush would be a good idea. This can happen when the coolant gets too old, or if it was mixed with a different flavour of coolant. The orange Dexcool does not like being mixed with the green Lime flavour.

Please do not get into a discussion of which flavour of coolant is better. There's been dozens of threads on this an other forums about it, and ultimately it comes down to flavour preferences and proper maintenance.

(***DISCLAIMER: My using the term "flavour" is merely a joking reference to the similar appearance of some engine coolants to popular sugary drinks. It is in no way suggesting that you should taste it!!! Engine coolant is poison.)

 

Thanks for the info, i have always been use to using Prestone and i think the last time i used any was that walmart brand super tech. Like you said it is my choice. I just thought it was weird all of a sudden it was that color or i didnt pay attention before. Thanks again I understood what the flavour remarks were

 

Just to follow up. Dexacool is good coolant and works just fine. I just did the 100,000 mile change for the second time in a Malibu and the Dexacool looked brand new.

There is one issue with Dexacool. There are multiple coolant technologies and color is not universal and therefore not a reliable indicator as to composition. I tried to create a spreadsheet a few years ago and my brain exploded. Some formulas can be combined without issue but Dexacool will turn into a nightmare of brown sludge if combined with certain types so mixing can be bad news. Use only the original Dexacool or drain, flush with water and stick to whatever your choice is. I can’t speak to the reliability of every brands “universal” compatibility with mixing and Dexacool. There are other issues with metal compatibility in particular with other motors and aluminum on other vehicles.


George