[Sierraluva]

What is a worthwhile coolant to put into these duramaxes? I've heard a lot about the dex cool problems but not sure if they fixed it yet. I believe that is what is in my 2012.

 

[WrenZ71]

Stick with the dexcool,a lot of the people that have run into issue with it from not changing it,mixing it with green,or they bought a used truck with stopleak or blow headgaskets and they blame it on the dexcool.The initial fill from the factory should be changed out every 5 years or 100,000 miles.I can remember for sure but I believe it every 2 years or 50,000 after that.I have heard the "deathcool" story's on the older vehicles when dexcool was first introduced.I worked at a chevy dealer for 3 years and never seen a issue with it personally.Any coolant you run the rust inhibitors will eventually break down and start to cause havoc.The key is proper maintenance.

 

[Sierraluva]

Thanks WrenZ71, Question for you, I have recently had the "low coolant, add coolant'' light come on. I have no leaks that I can see. I'm hoping it's not head gaskets. 99k miles on a 2012.

 

[WrenZ71]

I'll tell you up front I am far from a Duramax expert,I avoid working on them at all cost.However I would first pull the coolant cap a check for signs of oil in the cooling system and signs of coolant in the oil.If You see any signs of the 2 mixing you can rent or buy a block tester kit to check further.

 

[WrenZ71]

Also look around for any external leaks,radiator,water pump ect...Dexcool will generally jell near the source of a small leak.

 

[puppeteer]

I have never had a issue with dexcool. But as far as the coolant loss. could be the turbo eating it, water pump, or EGR cooler cracked and is leaking into the intake and exhaust.

 

[Gozzie]

Prestone has a newer Gm approved dex. It's orange and not red. Can be mixed with red if needed. It's a little more expensive.
That's what I'm running but I'm not in a duramax either.

 

[WrenZ71]

Prestone has a newer Gm approved dex. It's orange and not red. Can be mixed with red if needed. It's a little more expensive.
That's what I'm running but I'm not in a duramax either.

The gm/Acdelco stuff is orange as well.The factory fill stuff is sometimes orange or sometimes has a pinkish tint to it.I though for awhile it turned pink when it broke down but I have seen brand new trucks with the pink.I dont know why.

 

[Oscyjack]

use dex

 

[Copperhead]

I have grown partial to the same coolant I put in my heavy commercial trucks. Final Charge ELC coolant. I have it in everything from my Cadillac CTS on up to the semi truck. It has a 8 yr, 1 million mile life cycle, though my comfort level will not let me go beyond 500,000 miles. Also great lubricity for water pumps. I would put nothing else in a diesel I own. I have used it for almost 2 million miles of engine operation.

Before switching any coolant, I do a complete flush and fill. I am loathe to mix coolants and especially brands.

it is cost effective. I usually can get it in 50/50 gallons for about $12-$13 at major truck stops. Wally World had it listed for $14 online. I inquired direct to the Peak technical folks about it and it can be used in any engine we might talk about here. I even have it in a John Deere 825i gator and a NH compact tractor.

http://images.peakauto.com/Final%20Char ... _hires.pdf

 

[GR2017]

.....have recently had the "low coolant, add coolant'' light come on. I have no leaks that I can see. I'm hoping it's not head gaskets. 99k miles on a 2012.

Cooling systems are not sealed. There will be losses thru the pressure cap and can be enough to trip the sensor if not topped up every couple of years. This especially happens when cold weather arrives.

 

[Cosmic Charlie]

.....have recently had the "low coolant, add coolant'' light come on. I have no leaks that I can see. I'm hoping it's not head gaskets. 99k miles on a 2012.

Cooling systems are not sealed. There will be losses thru the pressure cap and can be enough to trip the sensor if not topped up every couple of years. This especially happens when cold weather arrives.

I agree - if your lucky / just low and not leaking