Which coolant - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

03BlkZ · 03-28-2021, 10:02 AM

I'm finishing up my C10 restoration and I have installed a new aluminum radiator. Do I need to run the pink coolant since the radiator is aluminum or can I still run the green? The engine has been rebuilt so there is currently zero coolant in the engine.

**Getter-Done** · 03-28-2021, 10:20 AM

Good Question.

Then, what is the best antifreeze for aluminum radiators?

Zerex G-05 Antifreeze/Coolant 1 Gallon It is one of the best coolants for aluminum radiators.

It employs the Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) to provide ultimate
protection from rust and corrosion designed for both gasoline and diesel engines.

https://www.zoro.com/zerex-antifreez...specifications

.

**Rickysnickers** · 03-28-2021, 10:21 AM

Unless you are using a newer engine, I've always used Peak Global in all my older vehicle including my motorcycles. It's phosphate and silicate free. I just don't buy the 50/50 mix, as there's no reason to pay for water.

72c20customcamper · 03-28-2021, 10:53 AM

The instructions that came with the DeWitt aluminum I have called for any extended duty antifreeze but to dilute it 50/50 with distilled water or the warranty would be void.

**Rickysnickers** · 03-29-2021, 10:07 AM

In that case, it's best to do what the warranty calls for. BTW, when I said I don't buy the 50/50 mix, I meant just that. I buy straight coolant and then add my distilled water, since it's much less expensive that way.

**Grumpy old man** · 03-29-2021, 10:17 AM

I remember in the 90's the red eating aluminum intakes , I don't think I've ever bought a gallon of it . Here's Champion radiators opinion on it .

https://shop.championcooling.com/art...Color-Do-I-Use

**kwmech** · 03-29-2021, 10:50 AM

Just make sure the radiator has a good ground and there shouldn't be an issue

72c20customcamper · 03-29-2021, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rickysnickers

In that case, it's best to do what the warranty calls for. BTW, when I said I don't buy the 50/50 mix, I meant just that. I buy straight coolant and then add my distilled water, since it's much less expensive that way.

I do the same . Distilled water is 88 cents at the local store, the instructions just said to use either the pre mix or add distilled water at the 50/50 ratio

gmc684x4 · 03-29-2021, 12:32 PM

I have always used Prestone mixed 60/40 with distilled water i do live in a climate it can be more than -40 in the winter

fun in dirt · 03-30-2021, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

I remember in the 90's the red eating aluminum intakes , I don't think I've ever bought a gallon of it . Here's Champion radiators opinion on it .

https://shop.championcooling.com/art...Color-Do-I-Use

Great info!!! THANKS!

GASoline71 · 03-30-2021, 01:13 PM

Been using plain ol' Prestone green coolant mixed with distilled water 50/50 for the last 12 years with an aluminum radiator. Not one single problem.

Gary

**tdangle** · 03-30-2021, 04:16 PM

I'm bad I guess. I have a standard brass radiator and am using 50/50 mixture of the green and just regular water out of the hose. Never thought about distilled water. It's been a year now, maybe time for a flush.

72c20customcamper · 03-31-2021, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tdangle

I'm bad I guess. I have a standard brass radiator and am using 50/50 mixture of the green and just regular water out of the hose. Never thought about distilled water. It's been a year now, maybe time for a flush.

Copperisnt as sensitive to minerals in the water . But it's still a good idea to use distilled .

Carl Spangler · 03-31-2021, 09:17 AM

In my C10 (copper rad) I use Prestone 50:50 premix. I get it at WallyWorld and it's pretty inexpensive. Never had a problem with it. I have also purchased the 'concentrate' version and dilute with RO water.

In my newer cars I always use the crazy spendy factory fluid.

**Sheepdip** · 03-31-2021, 09:37 AM

Here's some good info on coolants and why/which one to choose.

https://www.autozone.com/diy/trustwo...-of-antifreeze

Happy_dan · 03-31-2021, 10:00 AM

Perfect timing. As I am hoping to reinstall my engine in the truck this weekend. I better pick up some green antifreeze and distilled water!

**MJN** · 04-01-2021, 10:47 AM

I'm partial to using AMSOIL coolants.
https://www.amsoil.com/p/low-toxicit...e-coolant-ant/

hjewell2 · 04-01-2021, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GASoline71

Been using plain ol' Prestone green coolant mixed with distilled water 50/50 for the last 12 years with an aluminum radiator. Not one single problem.

Gary

same here never a problem , now on the other hand I did have a tester that went bad over the summer. went to drawer and pulled out tester , was changing antifreeze for winter so the tester sat there for one year. any way changed antifreeze and it kept saying low , so i mixed stronger and stronger. and then the light went off in my head , there is no way it can be that weak. went and got another tester new from store, and bingo it went bad over the summer sitting there. was good for 45* below tho.

jimijam00 · 04-02-2021, 09:33 PM

https://www.dewitts.com/blogs/news/1...minum-radiator

MrBlue · 04-03-2021, 09:36 AM

Dang it! Late to the game as I just filled my cooling system with Dex-pink stuff.

**dmjlambert** · 04-03-2021, 07:06 PM

Nobody has yet mentioned Evan's waterless coolant that I see in catalogs. I've been wondering if that's snake oil. https://www.evanscoolant.com/products/

tim_mc · 04-03-2021, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrBlue

Dang it! Late to the game as I just filled my cooling system with Dex-pink stuff.

It's not too late to flush it. I got rid of that Dex-Cool coolant in my '02 Z28, flushed and filled with Prestone. Glad I did.

**Richard** · 04-04-2021, 01:45 AM

My whole life been lazy regarding distilled in a radiator. Never had one fail due to corrosion. Maybe I am lucky, usually not. Distilled water is contaminated as soon as it is opened and poured into the system. There are actually articles out there saying distilled water is missing things so it tries to take them from areas it contacts actually causing corrosion. Do not understand the need for a ground. Water conducts electricity. Waterless coolant is for track use. No other reason to use it.

68 P.O.S. · 04-04-2021, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard

Water conducts electricity.

The dissolved minerals and solids inside of water are what conducts electricity, water itself does not. Tap water will conduct electricity, distilled water will not. Maybe that's part of the reason for grounding and corrosion.

**Rickysnickers** · 04-04-2021, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmjlambert

Nobody has yet mentioned Evan's waterless coolant that I see in catalogs. I've been wondering if that's snake oil. https://www.evanscoolant.com/products/

I have it in my truck. It's expensive, but the engine I put in the truck was brand new and the radiator was relatively new. I am happy with it. I also had to change the intake gaskets once. I did the best I could to collect the coolant that I drained. I used a paint strainer and put it back in. Again, no problems.

03-28-2021, 10:02 AM	#1
03BlkZ Registered User Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Hewitt, Tx Posts: 386	Which coolant I'm finishing up my C10 restoration and I have installed a new aluminum radiator. Do I need to run the pink coolant since the radiator is aluminum or can I still run the green? The engine has been rebuilt so there is currently zero coolant in the engine.

03-28-2021, 10:20 AM	#2
Getter-Done Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: TN. Posts: 7,765	Re: Which coolant Good Question. Then, what is the best antifreeze for aluminum radiators? Zerex G-05 Antifreeze/Coolant 1 Gallon It is one of the best coolants for aluminum radiators. It employs the Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) to provide ultimate protection from rust and corrosion designed for both gasoline and diesel engines. https://www.zoro.com/zerex-antifreez...specifications . __________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________ 84 Chevy K-20 63 Impala (my high school car) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...Crew Cab Build

03-28-2021, 10:21 AM	#3
Rickysnickers Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Eagle, ID Posts: 2,945	Re: Which coolant Unless you are using a newer engine, I've always used Peak Global in all my older vehicle including my motorcycles. It's phosphate and silicate free. I just don't buy the 50/50 mix, as there's no reason to pay for water.

03-28-2021, 10:53 AM	#4
72c20customcamper Registered User Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Catskill Mountains,NY Posts: 8,168	Re: Which coolant The instructions that came with the DeWitt aluminum I have called for any extended duty antifreeze but to dilute it 50/50 with distilled water or the warranty would be void. __________________ Mark 72 c20 custom camper Husky edition, 66 SS396 Chevelle 1964 Hawk, 63 Avanti,62 lark 1969 AMX , 1968 c20 stepside ,85 K20 1977 Suburban sold 68 anniversary.

03-29-2021, 10:07 AM	#5
Rickysnickers Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Eagle, ID Posts: 2,945	Re: Which coolant In that case, it's best to do what the warranty calls for. BTW, when I said I don't buy the 50/50 mix, I meant just that. I buy straight coolant and then add my distilled water, since it's much less expensive that way.

03-29-2021, 10:17 AM	#6
Grumpy old man Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Gods country East,Tn Posts: 8,545	Re: Which coolant I remember in the 90's the red eating aluminum intakes , I don't think I've ever bought a gallon of it . Here's Champion radiators opinion on it . https://shop.championcooling.com/art...Color-Do-I-Use Attached Images __________________ 1967 Factory short bed - Old school '71 - 350 / 4bolt / 487 heads / Edelbrock C3BX Muncie M-22 4 speed / Hurst Comp plus Factory 12 bolt posi 3.73 / 255-70-15 Smoothed firewall / Factory cowl induction Power disc brakes / power steering / 3.5-5" drop

03-29-2021, 10:50 AM	#7
kwmech Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Colfax-California Posts: 8,395	Re: Which coolant Just make sure the radiator has a good ground and there shouldn't be an issue

03-29-2021, 12:32 PM	#9
gmc684x4 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Whitehorse yukon Posts: 1,218	Re: Which coolant I have always used Prestone mixed 60/40 with distilled water i do live in a climate it can be more than -40 in the winter

03-30-2021, 04:16 PM	#12
tdangle Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Jurupa Valley, Ca Posts: 1,209	Re: Which coolant I'm bad I guess. I have a standard brass radiator and am using 50/50 mixture of the green and just regular water out of the hose. Never thought about distilled water. It's been a year now, maybe time for a flush. __________________ Terry 1970 Custom Camper/C20 , GM Crate 350/7004R, Dana 60, factory AC

03-31-2021, 09:17 AM	#14
Carl Spangler Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Central Coast Ca. Posts: 417	Re: Which coolant In my C10 (copper rad) I use Prestone 50:50 premix. I get it at WallyWorld and it's pretty inexpensive. Never had a problem with it. I have also purchased the 'concentrate' version and dilute with RO water. In my newer cars I always use the crazy spendy factory fluid. __________________ 1971 SWB step side: Original NM Forestry and then NM Fire truck

03-31-2021, 09:37 AM	#15
Sheepdip Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Waterford California Posts: 2,387	Re: Which coolant Here's some good info on coolants and why/which one to choose. https://www.autozone.com/diy/trustwo...-of-antifreeze

03-31-2021, 10:00 AM	#16
Happy_dan Registered User Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: New Boston, NH Posts: 456	Re: Which coolant Perfect timing. As I am hoping to reinstall my engine in the truck this weekend. I better pick up some green antifreeze and distilled water!

04-01-2021, 10:47 AM	#17
MJN Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Maquoketa, Ia/ Orr, Mn Posts: 2,967	Re: Which coolant I'm partial to using AMSOIL coolants. https://www.amsoil.com/p/low-toxicit...e-coolant-ant/ __________________ '51 South Bend Model "9A" '56 Chevy 3600 NAPCO '74 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20-restored on 37's '72 GMC Sierra Custom K2500- in progress '08 GMC Envoy Denali '12 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali '17 GMC Yukon XL VCCA member #58596 http://www.nohrco.com

04-02-2021, 09:33 PM	#19
jimijam00 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: PNW Posts: 553	Re: Which coolant https://www.dewitts.com/blogs/news/1...minum-radiator

04-03-2021, 09:36 AM	#20
MrBlue Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Laporte, IN Posts: 167	Re: Which coolant Dang it! Late to the game as I just filled my cooling system with Dex-pink stuff. __________________ MrBlue 72' C-10 350 TKO-600 Current Project 54' Ford F-100 Life Long Project



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04-03-2021, 07:06 PM	#21
dmjlambert Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 3,563	Re: Which coolant Nobody has yet mentioned Evan's waterless coolant that I see in catalogs. I've been wondering if that's snake oil. https://www.evanscoolant.com/products/

04-04-2021, 01:45 AM	#23
Richard Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Southern California Posts: 2,706	Re: Which coolant My whole life been lazy regarding distilled in a radiator. Never had one fail due to corrosion. Maybe I am lucky, usually not. Distilled water is contaminated as soon as it is opened and poured into the system. There are actually articles out there saying distilled water is missing things so it tries to take them from areas it contacts actually causing corrosion. Do not understand the need for a ground. Water conducts electricity. Waterless coolant is for track use. No other reason to use it. __________________ Richard 1972 K10 Custom Deluxe SWB Fleetside My build https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=800746 Last edited by Richard; 04-04-2021 at 01:53 AM.

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