Stupid is, as stupid does ...


And with that in mind, I had noticed that when towing our fifth wheel toyhauler my 2005 GMC Duramax runs hotter than my 2003 Chevy Duramax truck did. I also noticed that the coolant level was down about an inch in the transparent coolant reservoir, so I added some pre-diluted antifreeze I had in the garage (less than one quarts worth), to top it off. After adding the antifreeze I noticed that it was RV antifreeze, and that it says "do not use in gasoline or diesel engines" in small print on the back of the gallon jug. It also says that it "protects all metals and plastics", so I would assume it is safe for aluminum, although it does not say so directly.


So how big of a screw up is this? Do I need to flush my coolant system to remove the less than one quarts worth of RV antifreeze? And if I need to flush the coolant system, how do I go about doing so? Is there a drain valve somewhere on the bottom of the radiator that I can't see, or do I need to remove a radiator hose? Or would I be better off just taking it to the dealer and paying to have the coolant system flushed?


Thanks,


Yamahauler.

You didn't screw up to bad. The RV atifreeze is just water with an additive to raise the freeze point. in effect all you did is add water to your system. The drain valve on the newer trks have thrown me for a loop as well normally GM's have been on the driver side in the bottom of the radiator or a few inches above the bottom. Some of the new trucks actually use a drain tube off of the moto, or That might be the one off of My columbia semi i am thinking of.


either way no worries until time for system flush. Just remember to check or have fluid checked every year for acidity. when the electrolytes become acidic they can start to eat away at the aluminum in the system. Most radiator shops will have the test strips and additives to counter the acidity. test should still be done even if you are using the extended life antifreeze. good luck and have fun.


Also your truck will run hotter at first until you get some mileage on it. if it continues to run warm there may be to much coolant and not enough water easy test tool from local auto parts store. when warm can have it checked at most shops with an infered temp sensor as not all gauges read the same.

Thankyou, I just sighed a sigh of relief. I do plan to read the back of the bottle before pouring something in my truck from now on though, LOL.