2003 Astro with Dexcool

Radiator, thermostat, water pump, antifreeze, etc.
Post Reply

Topic author
chemist
I finally get the smurf thing
Posts: 155
Joined: Tue Mar 13, 2007 7:30 pm
Location: Pocono Mts, PA

2003 Astro with Dexcool

Post by chemist »

Okay, I've got an 03 Astro with about 108,000 miles on it. It's got Dexcool, but it's my understanding that there were two different types of Dexcool. Apparantly there was the bad stuff that ate head gaskets and got GM sued. But earlier, outside of this particular forum, someone was talking about a newer Dexcool that didn't do that.

So, did this newer Dexcool exist, was it used on 03, and is it actually safe for my gaskets?

And a fourth question...with 108,000 miles, is it even worth switching?

Previous Vans: 1998 Astro, AWD, 138K mi; traded on 2003 Chevy Astro, AWD, 125K mi; traded on
2009 Chevy Silverado 1500 WT, 4x4, ext, long box
2007 Chevy Cobalt
1998 Maza MPV (180K mi and in need of PA inspection--only paid $500!)

Needed: a Gen 2 Astro project vehicle...

LiftedAWDAstro
I have my van tatooed on my cheeks
Posts: 4379
Joined: Sat Sep 09, 2006 3:35 pm
Location: New Haven, NY

Re: 2003 Astro with Dexcool

Post by LiftedAWDAstro »

At over 5 years of age and 108,000 miles it is time for a flush whether or not it is still "considered" to be good by GM. For a measly $20 why take a chance? I would just drain out the system by removing the lower rad hose and letting as much drain out as possible. Then I would re-fill with fresh coolant and plan to do the same again in a couple years. This method won't completely flush the system out but it will give a majority of fresh fluid.
Current rides:
2013 Toyota Tundra DC 4x4
2008 Dodge Nitro 4x4
2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8S Special Edition

Mileage spreadsheet

Vans owned:
1986 Safari 2.5L 4 speed manual - scrapped
1995 Astro 2WD conversion 4.11 posi, shift kit, DHC rock rails - sold to Skippy
1998 Astro 4x4 D44, D60, NP231, full hydraulic system with 9k# Milemarker winch and snow plow - sold to Lockdoc
2003 Astro AWD all stock - traded for a 3/4 ton truck
2005 AWD, 4.10's - sold to skippy
User avatar

LaGrasta
I sleep in my van
Posts: 724
Joined: Fri Jan 19, 2007 2:07 pm
Location: Mission Viejo, CA
Has thanked: 2 times
Been thanked: 3 times

Re: 2003 Astro with Dexcool

Post by LaGrasta »

I agree, it's time. After you disconnect and drain, stick a hose in there and flush it as well.

If this is a long term vehicle for you, spend an extra $50 and swap the hoses and belt now as well, even a thermostat. This will further your success in flushing it as well as removing any future weak links that may decide to show up.
1998 Astro, 246,000 miles

K&N air filter
TruCool trans cooler
2" Overland lift & 15" BFG Terrain, 3.73 gears
JET Performance SCU-2000 (Speed Control Unit)
Gabriel Ultra shocks, rear AirLift bags & sway bar
Draw-Tite Dual Port Hitch System, hitch-mounted bike rack (4), hitch-mounted cargo tray, Thule roof-mounted cargo box
Post Reply