That sweet scary smell

[iamdub]

Dex-Cool is just fine as long as the system doesn't have any leaks. If the coolant level isn't completely full, that extra space is replaced by air and air is what lets some of the components in Dex-Cool evaporate, leaving that muddy residue behind. So, on an older car that's more prone to developing a leak somewhere, flushing the hell out of it and using the regular stuff is probably the safer bet.

I don't know for sure if the Prestone equivalent is the same formulation as Dex-Cool, but it's never given me any problems. Once everything is flushed out very well, you could use whatever coolant makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside. I've always considered going with the "green stuff" and I'm sure it would've been perfectly fine. But I end up with the "orange stuff" because it just looks right in a GM.

 

[S1nemesis1s]

Thanks for all the info guys. I have been planning on doing a super flush. I saw ChrisFix do one and I thought I might do close to the same. I think I will do this first, minus removing the Tstat, and then change out my parts BEFORE I fill with fluid. I have a new tstat, waterpump, upper and lower hoses, even bought a new cap.

 

[S1nemesis1s]

Okay guys, drove the Tahoe today and got confirmation of the Waterpump I believe. I smelled that sweet smell again outside of it when I was gassing up and looked through the wheel at the "offroad" panel and a small puddle of coolant had collected right in the middle. Last day I drive the Tahoe to work until I get a pump on. I will be doing the super flush this weekend and then park it in the garage and do the water pump, tstat, belts, and top and bottom hose next week. I just hope she holds together today long enough to get me home. I am about 15 miles away from my house and will be facing 5pm traffic. Wish me luck

 

[S1nemesis1s]

Started the flush today, after fiddling with factory clamps I have it almost running clear. One more flush tomorrow then I will install tstat, waterpump, and all new hoses and fittings! I am so excited, the new heater hose came from Amazon. The delco one with the T in it that serve the coolant tank and want heater hose.