Mixing different engine coolants or using the wrong coolant can impair the performance of the special additive packages; this can result in increased corrosion to the radiator. Using the wrong engine coolant can gradually lead to corrosion and damage to the water pump, radiator, radiator hoses and cylinder gasket.

The Best in Auto Repair The average cost for a Pontiac Grand Prix thermostat replacement is between $149 and $179. Labor costs are estimated between $116 and $146 while parts are priced at $33.

Prestone 1 Gallon Yellow 50/50 Coolant/Antifreeze.

It’s supposed to last 5 years or 150,000 miles, but there have been problems with this coolant. Cooling systems that use Dexcool exhibit more acid buildup and rust in the system when the coolant level gets low and oxygen is allowed to enter the system. The acid eats away at head gaskets and intake gaskets.

Dex-Cool is now used in almost 40 million vehicles sold by GM since 1996. On its website, GM claims Dex-Cool will last 5 years or 150,000 miles but a steady stream of consumers insist the product is defective and has damaged their vehicles.

I’ve had good luck flushing dex sludge from heater cores using vinegar. I generally flush most of the crap out and then soak the core with 100% vinegar for a few hours/over night and then flush with water some more. I repeat until it runs fairly clean.

A blown head gasket is a common cause of oil mixing with coolant. This thin sheet of metal sits between the engine block and cylinder head to create an air-tight and liquid-tight seal. If it fails, oil and coolant may mix together. In some cases, coolant will enter the oil.

Can You Drive A Car With Oil In The Coolant? Oil and coolant should never mix and thus, driving a car with oil in the coolant are not advisable as it might just cause serious problems in your engine. This might damage your engine and cause you to have to do expensive replacements of engine parts or the entire engine.