coolant elbows

[02LTD2.0]

I totally agree with JGBuick as my last 3 big 3800 powered cars have NOT had Dex and they cool just fine.

 

[2000ltd]

I totally agree with JGBuick as my last 3 big 3800 powered cars have NOT had Dex and they cool just fine.

What is a good coolant to use then. Other than dexcool?

 

[02LTD2.0]

The green stuff.

 

[RD_Atlanta]

I flushed all of my cars and installed Prestone All Vehicles - Pre Mixed. Wal Mart may have the best price @ $9.98 / gallon.

In reference to cooling performance, in my view a more significant issue is the extraordinary high temperature in which GM energizes the cooling fans. It not unusual to see 110 deg c (230 deg. f) before the cooling fans are energized. On my 3.8L Buick LeSabre's, I switched the fan control to the PCM which permits me to decide at what temperature the cooling fans switch on. As a result, I rarely see my cooling temp go above 95 deg C (203 deg f). A secondary significant benefit is helping the transmission fluid to run cooler.

 

[2000ltd]

I flushed all of my cars and installed Prestone All Vehicles - Pre Mixed. Wal Mart may have the best price @ $9.98 / gallon.

In reference to cooling performance, in my view a more significant issue is the extraordinary high temperature in which GM energizes the cooling fans. It not unusual to see 110 deg c (230 deg. f) before the cooling fans are energized. On my 3.8L Buick LeSabre's, I switched the fan control to the PCM which permits me to decide at what temperature the cooling fans switch on. As a result, I rarely see my cooling temp go above 95 deg C (203 deg f). A secondary significant benefit is helping the transmission fluid to run cooler.

How did you switch the control to the PCM? Is it easy to do? I'd like to do it

 

[RD_Atlanta]

Excuse me if you're already aware of some of which I'm about to go over. There are (3) available tuning software that works with some years of GM PCMs (HP Tuners, EFI Live and Jet). My GMs are earlier (pre 2006) I only need support for the earlier J1850vpw (pre-CanBus) protocol, so I typically prefer to use the Jet software. However, each of these software have their own merits and some support newer model GMs. So, referring to the Jet SW, the attached pdf shows how to switch the fan control to the PCM as well as the settings that I prefer to apply to the fan control which works well for me. However, there are several caveats with tuning your PCM which I would be amiss to not highlight here for those who have no experience with changing any settings in your PCM. It's important to understand these caveats/risks.

1. Many newer GMs are not supported by any of these tuning software packages. You'll need confirm that your vehicle is supported.
2. Each PCM type has its own operating system (OS). Each OS supports different features. The P04 PCMs (the PCM used in my V6 FWD cars) by default control the cooling fans outside the PCM but the P04 OS supports switching the control to the PCM (as covered in the attached pdf). Provided your PCM is supported by a Tuning software, there is no assurance the fans can be controlled by your PCM or the fan settings are configurable. This would need to be confirmed.
3. I think all (3) of these packages work fairly well. But it's fair to say anytime that you start changing the PCM, there are always risks. Many folks tune & push programs with no issues. For myself, I have spare PCMs ready to go (which requires some additional knowledge). The primary point being each interested member will need to decide their own risk tolerance. I utilize a bench setup which permits me to program a PCM on my work bench then install it in the car. There are times when I also program them in the car but my preference is on the workbench just because it's safer since the program download is not competing with other modules on the serial bus.

It's a bit of a long winded answer but I felt it important to summarize what all is involved. The underlying concern to this particular task is with GM turning the cooling fans on so late which I think many members are not comfortable with. One additional point, when your AC is on, both cooling fans should soon become fully energized, which is a far less involved (and less elegant) method to get the cooling fans to turn on before the coolant temperature rises so high.

 

[2000ltd]

Excuse me if you're already aware of some of which I'm about to go over. There are (3) available tuning software that works with some years of GM PCMs (HP Tuners, EFI Live and Jet). My GMs are earlier (pre 2006) I only need support for the earlier J1850vpw (pre-CanBus) protocol, so I typically prefer to use the Jet software. However, each of these software have their own merits and some support newer model GMs. So, referring to the Jet SW, the attached pdf shows how to switch the fan control to the PCM as well as the settings that I prefer to apply to the fan control which works well for me. However, there are several caveats with tuning your PCM which I would be amiss to not highlight here for those who have no experience with changing any settings in your PCM. It's important to understand these caveats/risks.

1. Many newer GMs are not supported by any of these tuning software packages. You'll need confirm that your vehicle is supported.
2. Each PCM type has its own operating system (OS). Each OS supports different features. The P04 PCMs (the PCM used in my V6 FWD cars) by default control the cooling fans outside the PCM but the P04 OS supports switching the control to the PCM (as covered in the attached pdf). Provided your PCM is supported by a Tuning software, there is no assurance the fans can be controlled by your PCM or the fan settings are configurable. This would need to be confirmed.
3. I think all (3) of these packages work fairly well. But it's fair to say anytime that you start changing the PCM, there are always risks. Many folks tune & push programs with no issues. For myself, I have spare PCMs ready to go (which requires some additional knowledge). The primary point being each interested member will need to decide their own risk tolerance. I utilize a bench setup which permits me to program a PCM on my work bench then install it in the car. There are times when I also program them in the car but my preference is on the workbench just because it's safer since the program download is not competing with other modules on the serial bus.

It's a bit of a long winded answer but I felt it important to summarize what all is involved. The underlying concern to this particular task is with GM turning the cooling fans on so late which I think many members are not comfortable with. One additional point, when your AC is on, both cooling fans should soon become fully energized, which is a far less involved (and less elegant) method to get the cooling fans to turn on before the coolant temperature rises so high.

I have a 2000 lesabre limited. Would the jet tuning software work for this cars PCM type to take control of the cooling fans and change their settings to switch on earlier?

 

[RD_Atlanta]

I have a 2000 lesabre limited. Would the jet tuning software work for this cars PCM type to take control of the cooling fans and change their settings to switch on earlier?

Yes, the 2000-2005 LeSabre should be the same.

 

[2000ltd]

Yes, the 2000-2005 LeSabre should be the same.

Thanks for that info I'm going to look into it and see if I can do it or not. I hope so. I have some computer skills but never have used tuning software before.

 

[2000ltd]

Yes, the 2000-2005 LeSabre should be the same.

I looked into the jet dst and couldn't find one to fit my vehicle

 

[RD_Atlanta]

I don't know why LeSabre's aren't listed. There's (5) LeSabre's in my family and it works fine. It's not difficult to remove the PCM, If you could remove it and send me a photo of the white printed label on it showing the HW number and Service ID, I can tell you for certain. If you've never had the PCM out, it located in the lower section of the air cleaner. When you disconnect the blue and clear connectors, there is a silicone gasket under each connector that will likely get out of position. When reinstalling the connectors, just neatly place the gasket around the rim of the PCM side then reinstall each connector.

 

[2000ltd]

I don't know why LeSabre's aren't listed. There's (5) LeSabre's in my family and it works fine. It's not difficult to remove the PCM, If you could remove it and send me a photo of the white printed label on it showing the HW number and Service ID, I can tell you for certain. If you've never had the PCM out, it located in the lower section of the air cleaner. When you disconnect the blue and clear connectors, there is a silicone gasket under each connector that will likely get out of position. When reinstalling the connectors, just neatly place the gasket around the rim of the PCM side then reinstall each connector.

Ok I'll do that soon. Probably Thursday when I'm installing a new fuel pressure regulator and oil pressure sensor

 

[2000ltd]

Ok I'll do that soon. Probably Thursday when I'm installing a new fuel pressure regulator and oil pressure sensor

I don't know why LeSabre's aren't listed. There's (5) LeSabre's in my family and it works fine. It's not difficult to remove the PCM, If you could remove it and send me a photo of the white printed label on it showing the HW number and Service ID, I can tell you for certain. If you've never had the PCM out, it located in the lower section of the air cleaner. When you disconnect the blue and clear connectors, there is a silicone gasket under each connector that will likely get out of position. When reinstalling the connectors, just neatly place the gasket around the rim of the PCM side then reinstall each connector.

I did a Google search and Google said it would work but on the jet site it said not compatible with my vehicle

 

[RD_Atlanta]

Right, once you post the photo. we should be able to confirm.

 

[lilpoindexter]

i used the delco ones, havent thought of them in years

 

[HotZ28]

i used the delco ones, havent thought of them in years

What did you replace with "the delco ones", the coolant elbows or the PCM? If is was the coolant elbows, were the replacements plastic, or aluminum?? This thread is getting OLD!

 

[JGBuick]

What is a good coolant to use then. Other than dexcool?

While there are many varieties and formulations of coolant available, I think the main focus should be keeping a clean system. When I changed-out the DexCool from my system, I mainly wanted to use a coolant that was free from 2EHA (Chemical in DexCool that was responsible for the issues "supposedly".)

I currently have Peak-10X in my system now. (Since discontinued but replaced by the Titanium line.) - https://www.owi.com/retail/brands/peak-auto/antifreeze-coolant/all-makes-all-models-coolant

While "Green" most likely will handle all your needs, there are many "universal" options. One thing is for sure - This subject has been debated multiple times over and over. Come to your own conclusions. Most websites have a 1-800 number also to answer questions. Again - Keeping your coolant changed is the primary concern here... NOT going 5-10 years. Hope this makes sense!

 

[2000ltd]

While there are many varieties and formulations of coolant available, I think the main focus should be keeping a clean system. When I changed-out the DexCool from my system, I mainly wanted to use a coolant that was free from 2EHA (Chemical in DexCool that was responsible for the issues "supposedly".)

I currently have Peak-10X in my system now. (Since discontinued but replaced by the Titanium line.) - https://www.owi.com/retail/brands/peak-auto/antifreeze-coolant/all-makes-all-models-coolant

While "Green" most likely will handle all your needs, there are many "universal" options. One thing is for sure - This subject has been debated multiple times over and over. Come to your own conclusions. Most websites have a 1-800 number also to answer questions. Again - Keeping your coolant changed is the primary concern here... NOT going 5-10 years. Hope this makes sense!

I'm thinking of staying with the dexcool and just doing a drain and fill every year with prestone dexcool concentrate and distilled water.

 

[JGBuick]

I'm thinking of staying with the dexcool and just doing a drain and fill every year with prestone dexcool concentrate and distilled water.

I don't see any issue with this plan. I like the idea that you are going to use distilled water. This is always a good practice. The only other consideration that I'd pay attention to is this - I replaced my UIM gaskets and plenum completely. The DexCool chemistry had a problem with eating away the plastic intake gaskets. Since I went with an all metal (upgraded) version, I could have used the OEM DexCool again. But..... I chose not to do that for my own reasons.

Just be aware that there's lots and lots of posts on this subject.

 

[2000ltd]

I don't see any issue with this plan. I like the idea that you are going to use distilled water. This is always a good practice. The only other consideration that I'd pay attention to is this - I replaced my UIM gaskets and plenum completely. The DexCool chemistry had a problem with eating away the plastic intake gaskets. Since I went with an all metal (upgraded) version, I could have used the OEM DexCool again. But..... I chose not to do that for my own reasons.

Just be aware that there's lots and lots of posts on this subject.

How do I know if I have the metal upper intake gasket? It had the lower done at 34k and the manifold itself at the same time in 2002 so maybe they did it with the new gasket. But it still has the plastic coolant elbows. Also where did it leak when you replaced the plastic uim gasket? Or how did you know to replace it? Will the new dexcool also eat the gasket if I find out I have the plastic one?