Radiator blow out

Tiny
JERRYWT
  • MEMBER
  • GMC JIMMY
I have a 2000 Jimmy SLT with 100,000 miles on it. It is the small V6 engine. It has always run about 200 degrees with no problems. I took it in to have the cooling system flushed because the manual says to at 100,000 miles. I noticed that it ran about 210 degrees after I had it flushed. I checked the coolant and it showed it was good for -5 degrees. We usually need protection to -40 in Colorado. I don't know what that makes the boiling point but I am sure it lowers it. I took it back to the dealer and told them it needed more antifreeze in it. They checked it and said it was good for -45 degrees. It continued to run hotter than usual and when we had some 100 degree days the radiator blew out. I took it back to the dealer and they said that they did not cause it and it cost me $600 for a new radiator. They told me that my intake manifold was leaking and my water pump were leaking and wanted another $650 to fix them. I told them to fix the radiator and nothing else. It has been over a month now and my water pump and intake are fine and not leaking a drop of water. The temperature is running at 200 degrees again like it used to. My question is did the low mixture of antifreeze cause the system to run too hot and blow out my radiator?
Sunday, October 22nd, 2006 AT 1:33 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
JBAG
  • MEMBER
  • 12 POSTS
That I don't know. However, have you replaced the ORANGE antifreeze in the system with the original GREEN stuff yet?
In '96 GM started using the ORANGE stuff (forgot what it's called. Dextrol?). It was guaranteed for 150k mi.
I have heard HORROR stories from several mechanics reguarding the ORANGE CRAP! It was turning to CLAY and clogging engines to the point of $$$$$$$$$$$'s in repairs!
I popped my wife's 2000 Envoy and noticed the ORANGE stuff was turning to CLAY!
This has been ruining engines for awhile now.
I took the thermostat out and removed the guts and flushed the system twice. You need to remove the guts as the gooseneck needs the outter thermostat rubber gasket on the outter ring to seal.
I then replaced the thermostat and added the GREEN stuff. No more CLAY deposits!
I suggest you do the same.
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Sunday, October 22nd, 2006 AT 7:28 AM

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