Replacing the radiator cap...?

Question

Someone told me I should replace the radiator cap on my 2003 Impala, since it uses Dex Cool, and Dex Cool can turn into a sludge if it has contact with air. Apparently, the radiator caps that are originally on the car are no good... First question, should I replace the cap? Second, won't replacing the cap allow air into contact with the Dex Cool?

Answer 1

If the caps were bad GM would have had a recall on them, check with your GM service manager on any problems with the caps on the impala's and if no recalls on them don't replace it.

Answer 2

You are correct to assume that yoru car uses DEX Cool or the common orange coolent in vehicles made after 2000 as to the myth that dex-cool turns into sludge when exposed to air well thats just what it is, a myth. All radiater caps work the same, they allow coolent to boil over into your reserve tank be releasing the pressure in the system when the coolent reach's a certain temperature, although it is fairly uncommon for you to have a radiater cap problem on a car this new, if it is your problem buy a replacement.

Answer 3

Someone has too much time on their hands & spends most of it on the net, reading stuff people make up...
Reality...Once in a while a cap may fail (won't hold 14psi)
The only sludge with the Dex Cool is when some moron mixes the old coolant (green) with the new(orange)

Answer 4

go to a radiator shop & have it pressure tested......it should hold up to the pressure listed on the top....if not....replace it....as far as dexcool go,s.....I,d get rid of it......all permanent antifreeze,s are ethylene or diethylene glycol based.....the differance is that the old green stuff has a silicone lubricant additive....dexcool does not & is more compatable with aluminum component,s.....but it will turn bad on you.....after the initial breakin period.....the old green will do just fine....or look for prestone,s new yellow stuff......it,s compatable where ever either of the other,s is recomended......good luck!.....p.s.......best check but I believe even G.M. has relaxed their warranty policy about the dexcool issue........p.s.s...................for those of you that think this is just a myth............check with most indepant cooling system shop,s......when in contact with oxygen for an extended period.......dexcool will harden into a dry sandy type of deposit............the silicone additive in the older coolant will react only with inferior flux used in the solder used to seal aluminum based core,s........after the initial run thru...& a cooling system flush.....this will not reoccur.

Answer 5

no the sludge is normal new cars are suposed to have that 3 dealers told me that it helps some how it should be like a lite brown

Answer 6

if it doesn't hold the pressure then replace radiator cap

Answer 7

If it does not hold the pressure then you should replace it.

Answer 8

ring your local dealer and ask for the service department?...they will advise you accordingly....