Is it safe to flush the dex-cool out of your 2000 Chevy venture and replace with regular antifreeze?

Answer 1

My mechanics routinely make this change from Dexcool to "regular" antifreeze upon customer request. They say they've never had an intake manifold gasket failure with the green antifreeze as has been common when Dexcool was used. A GM dealership parts manager I know told me it's fine to go to green antifreeze as long as the orange "gunk" has been flushed out. He went as far as to "suggest" the company "might know" Dexcool has problems, but they can never admit it. ;) Just remember to change every 2 years now. It is perfectly safe to do this however the vehicle will be damaged. Dex-Cool is a specially formulated anti-freeze for some vehicles and must be used to replace antifreeze to protect the engine and radiator. The question is why are you replacing it after only 5 years. I have a 1987 Mazda RX7 (my second car) with the original antifreeze. Unless something has broken you should never "flush" your radiator for any reason. Dex-Cool has been shown to corrode the plastic gaskets that were used in the Venture for some years. Hence, after some time, the manifold gasket will rupture and necessiate a costly repair.