Orange coolant vs. Green coolant

[SUX2BU99]

If a vehicle has the long-life orange coolant in it, is it detrimental to change it over to regular green? I have a friend who had a GMC Envoy that ended up getting a plugged heater core and subsequent overheating after it appeared that his Dex-cool system gummed up. He didn't have anywhere near the mileage limit on the orange stuff that they say it's good for and after some Googling on the topic found that the orange stuff likes to break down and get goopy. I have a 2004 Caravan and a 2002 Cavalier that I beliveve has the orange stuff in it and I'd rather get that out of there and put the regular green coolant in it. Any thoughts or ideas on that?

[Grim 82]

Here is some info on it.
http://bioengr.ag.utk.edu/Extension/ExtProg/Machinery/Articles/engcool.htm

I have heard not to mix them, so if you decide to switch I would do a thorough flushing of the system.

[jaredts]

You'll find a lot of guys saying the orange stuff "goops up" and causes all of the problems.  I did a lot of reading on this a couple of years ago and found lots of shadetree mechanics that blamed it for everything.  I've not yet seen a reputable mechanic or scientific study saying that.  The stuff is good for a maximum of 5 years.  From my experience by the time you get to 5 years its too late (its more about time than mileage).  I've been using the Prestone that says "add to any coolant."  I haven't had a problem but haven't had it in anything for more than a couple of years though.

[VileZambonie]

Do you like Tang or Mountain Dew?

Here's what I do, I install a cleaning product that runs through the system. I then reverse flush the system using my machine using a universal coolant like the one mentioned above. When complete I add a cooling system conditioner and have had great results. I'm sure most of you don't have a cooling system flush machine so if you decide you're done with dex-cool drain the system, flush the heater core, install a decent cleaner, run the system, and drain it again. Refill the system with a good universal coolant and use the conditioner. Of course never open the system while it's hot and under pressure.

[Blazin]

We switch allot of the big trucks over. (1) reason is cost. If you have a repair on the coolant system and have lost a bunch of it due to a leak etc. The green is cheaper to replace. (2) We have had a couple trucks that got a gummy sludgy substance built up in the tank. (3) Allot more convenience stores carry the green and not the other brands.

[onelow84]

I have dex-clog in both my newer cars but when it comes time to change I will completely flush and go to the green stuff. I have heard
also the dex-cool is the reason for all the intake gasket problems gm had too. It is not good to mix the two though

[Irish_Alley]

I have dex-clog in both my newer cars but when it comes time to change I will completely flush and go to the green stuff. I have heard
also the dex-cool is the reason for all the intake gasket problems gm had too. It is not good to mix the two though

I know this was a big problem when I worked at autozone every mechanic I talk to said dex was crap. There was some green stuff that said it mixed with any color but they stop saying that after sometime. Every mechanic and customer seamed to be swapping over and it seamed that everyone had the same story about the gaskets being broke down due to the orange stuff

[VileZambonie]

Dex cool and aluminum with electrolysis = disaster. With all of the electrical resistance that occurs dex cool got a bad rep. There's no advantage to running it.

[SUX2BU99]

All great info to know guys! Thanks. I think I'll be flushing out both vehicles until they run clear with water, than drain and fill with good ole green.