Green coolant in radiator but orange in reserve.

T!NK

MEMBER
1998 CHEVROLET TAHOE
200,000 MILES

Green coolant in radiator but orange in reserve box. Will this cause a problem? I have heard dexcool will damage gaskets. Some will say mixing those colors won't cause harm but others say it will. Thanks in advance for any advice you provide.

Saturday, March 2nd, 2013 AT 9:49 PM

4 Replies

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Yes, it will turn into a gl and will cause all kinds of coolant system issue. Drain everything and refill with one type.

Roy

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Saturday, March 2nd, 2013 AT 9:57 PM

T!NK

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Which color is best to use? I would like to avoid major repairs !

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Sunday, March 3rd, 2013 AT 1:53 AM

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Use the global coolant. Then it wont matter. Good stuff.

Roy

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Sunday, March 3rd, 2013 AT 1:56 AM

T!NK

MEMBER
3 POSTS

So I am leaning more toward using the old fashion green since that's the color in the radiator. I found out they actually make green dexcool as well. This is a used truck and I have no idea what brand they used. If I simply drain and add regular green - will this be fine or will I need to get a flush. It is still winter time where I stay.I was wondering about the coolant that's in the engine block - I don't know if it stays or evaporates. Thanks for the help !

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Sunday, March 3rd, 2013 AT 6:19 PM