The car is a 2002 Camaro SS with about 25K miles. The coolant (original) visible in the overflow is looking pretty bad.
What's the recommended procedure to remedy this problem? Should the system be drained and re-filled with Dexcool, or should some other coolant be used?
How about a system flush? Any thoughts?

Thank you,
Rick

 

You can do a flush if you want, the miles seem pretty low. I'd say you could get away with just a drain and a refill, but a flush wouldn't hurt. From what I have seen a flush will run you about $50-60, most people don't have a place to flush their coolant themselves. Yes, use dexcool.

 

Any time you bring up Dexcool it starts a Holy War & everyone divides into the two camps. Personally, I've used it in everything I own since it first came out in the early 90's including cars not designed for it (69 Z/28, 78 Pacecar, & my SS454 ~ never a problem). In my 94 Vette & Z/28, I just pull the knock sensor & open radiator petcock, drain & take it to the local recycling center & refill 50/50 Dexcool & distilled water. The '00 SS is a bit harder to drain ~ I took the lower radiator hose loose. You need to look at the coolant when it comes out ~ the ones I've done have been so clean there's no need to flush the system. The only complaint w/ Dexcool was my 94 Z's heater core ~ the materials in the core were not compatible w/ Dexcool & the small tubes cloged shut ~ but it's hard to complain ~ it was 13 yr's old when I changed it with 170,XXX miles. If the '00 SS is the same, I'm fine changing it out after 13 years.

 

Drain, flush per the recommended method (there is a TSB for the prestone flush system) and refill. Use good potable or distilled water to mix and you'll be good to go.

 

we flush them with our machine and put in green. personal opinion

 

One other thing to consider; it has been my experience that whenever you do a flush, any small weaknesses/holes that where "plugged" up by the particles in the old coolant will now be exposed. So be prepared to encounter a leak somewhere in the system. (Although your car has prettly low miles so you may be OK)

Just my $.02

 

check out gohtsn.com and look for the dexcool lawsuit for everyone that has owned a gm and still likes dexcool there may be some money in it for you.