Fresh Water 330 Excalibur coolant

[beach]

I'm getting ready to winterize my my 03 san 210. Since I just got it this summer I wanted to replace all the fluids. I bought dexcool and was going to drain and replace the coolant, but I noticed that the coolant in my boat was green. I though dexcool was orange. I know dexcool has caused problems before, so I'm kinda worried about changing over. I'm also not sure if I should switch over.

Any help? I usually prefer to maintain my vehicles exactly by the book, but I haven't had any experience dealing with dexcool and "dexcool problems" is the second suggestion on google when I start typing "dexcoo".

[gride]

you definitely want the pink dex from the manual. they say the green can solidify or something. i'd flush the system and then add a 50/50 mix of pink dex/water.

[ericchile]

Not sure which green stuff got put in there. There is green stuff now that last 5 years (ie the brand stuff from wallmart). But if it were me I would make sure you get as much of the green out.

I recently used this and mixed at 50/50
http://www.amazon.com/Zerex-ZXEL1-DE...excool+coolant

The nice thing is that it is silicate-free. I believe they have changed the fluid type since most of the issues. Also the problems were around certain types of head gasket seals. I believe those have changed in later engines. But check me on the details.

[AirTool]

I believe there are green fluids that are Excalibur / Vortec compatible.

I don't know how to confirm which green one you have. At this point in time (and maybe even in 03), they might all be compatible. You'd have to do some research. I know I haven't been able to by the prestone with "silicone silicates" or whatever for my 93 C1500 for a long time. It disappeared without me even knowing it. The info is probably out there.

Note when I say compatible...I mean compatible with your engine...not necessarily compatible "mixing" with dexcool. A thorough flush may have been required. I have seen some bottles that say "mixes with any antifreeze"....but if I were to change colors or types - I'd flush it good (and not with any flushing chemicals but) with fresh water.

Note I still run Dex in my 99 Tahoe - but I don't believe it is necessary.
Also, don't run Dex more than 50/50 or it will turn to jelly.

[beach]

Another somewhat related question. The 03 PCM manual says to drain the heat exchanger, exhaust manifolds, and engine cooler. What is the engine cooler?

I noticed in the 05 pcm manual there is no mention of the engine cooler and there is a mention of a transmission cooler.

I have a vdrive, that's coolant cooled, right?


Thanks for any help!

[vision]

I have not worked on an 03 but I would bet the V-trans is fresh water cooled, at least in part. Look for a drain plug at the bottom of the fore aspect of the transmission.

As for engine cooler perhaps they mean the oil cooler?

[Nautiquehunter]

Prestone Prestone you need Prestone. Been using it for 30 years never had a problem

[beach]

The engine cooler was located on starboard side of the engine near the floor. The drain plug is easily visible. It is an oil cooler.

[AirTool]

Prestone Prestone you need Prestone. Been using it for 30 years never had a problem

Just understand that the Prestone you are using today is not the same as you were using 30 years ago.