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I bought my '97 Riviera a couple weeks ago or so. The car did have a leaking radiator (and I still haven't replaced it) and when I checked the spare tank which was empty, I added green coolant (for all makes and models, it says). I just noticed the sticker saying it requires dex-cool and I'm worried that I will cause any damage to the engine if there was some red coolant beforehand. I know the previous owner used water because it was leaking some water when I went to pick up the car. I am not sure if he had flushed the system to only use green, was mixing green with water or what but I know that I added green coolant. Radiator itself is currently full of green. Car seems to run fine for the past week and does not overheat. How worried should I be? And once I do replace the radiator, is it safe to use green or should I stick with dex-cool (I read it's recommended but not necessary as long as I don't mix the two).
I used the " mix with any coolant" with my dex cool only antifreeze car. Honestly, it did no harm and may actually have delayed a costly intake manifold gasket repair. That finally happened when the car was about 10 years old and it should have happened years sooner according to GM information and consumer complaints. The cars now 15 years old and the original radiator is fine. The cooling system is fine. I did have it flushed out and I've used dex cool since, but I'd not hesitate to use the green coolant if it was handy.
I bought my '97 Riviera a couple weeks ago or so. The car did have a leaking radiator (and I still haven't replaced it) and when I checked the spare tank which was empty, I added green coolant (for all makes and models, it says). I just noticed the sticker saying it requires dex-cool and I'm worried that I will cause any damage to the engine if there was some red coolant beforehand. I know the previous owner used water because it was leaking some water when I went to pick up the car. I am not sure if he had flushed the system to only use green, was mixing green with water or what but I know that I added green coolant. Radiator itself is currently full of green. Car seems to run fine for the past week and does not overheat. How worried should I be? And once I do replace the radiator, is it safe to use green or should I stick with dex-cool (I read it's recommended but not necessary as long as I don't mix the two).
If you are concerned, flush the system and replace it with the proper coolant. Your own peace of mind is worth the price.
Thanks guys- I thought I messed up big time. I will flush everything once I get my new radiator put in and start using dex-cool, or do you recommend sticking with green?
I don't know if what I put it was compatible, and I threw away the bottle. But it did say for all makes&models so has to be..
You DO NOT want to mix dex-cool with conventional "green" coolant. Once you get your new radiator completely flush out the system with water until it comes out crystal clear. Once mostly full of clear water add about 16 ounces of CLR and run engine to full temp for 15 or so minutes. Shut off engine, let it cool for a while and flush with water again. Once its all flushed out, drain the appropriate amount and refill with pure conventional "green" coolant until you are at approx 50/50.
I highly recommend converting out of dexcool. Just make sure its ALL out.
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