I have been running very warm lately, especially when sitting in traffic and I've gotten the low coolant light a few times and the car has 68K on it so i figured i should probably just drain the system and refill it. I saw some prestone coolant, dex-cool approved at autozone for $8-9/gallon. Is this stuff good or should i go with something else? Also, how many gallons should i purchase? I am also thinkin i should probably swap out the transmission fluid. I remember reading about guys using some Honda ATF for the t-56. Is this the right stuff? Can anyone get deals on it or do i need to just buy it from a honda dealership? Also, how much should i buy?

Are these process hard to do or are they managable for a beginner? The biggest thing i've done is installin my Pro 5.0 shifter and it wasn't bad at all with the tutorial i found, so yea, i've never really gotten my hands dirty.

 

If Dexcool was the original coolant, that is what you should use. There should be a sticker under the hood saying if it came with Dexcool. Buy a couple gallons, but you probably won't use it all if you just drain the radiator.

 

You'll want to mix your new coolant 50/50 with deionized or distilled water. Be sure to drain both the radiator and the block. The block has to drain plugs; on the drivers side it's a small bolt located by the motor mount; on the passanger side it's the knock sensor. Two gallons and coolant and 2 gallonsof water should get the job done.

I'm using Honda ATF in my T56. It holds about 3 3/4 quarts. Drain plug is marked on the side of the tranny; fill plug is on the opposite side and up higher. I got my fluid form a Honda dealer for $4 per quart. I've read some guys have found it at auto stores for less.