Cavalier L4-144 2.4L DOHC VIN T SFI (1997)
Coolant: Description and Operation
NOTE: This vehicle was manufactured with GM Goodwrench DEX-COOL. DEX-COOL was developed to last for 240,000 km (150,000 miles) or 5
years whichever occurs first. Make sure only GM Goodwrench DEX-COOL is used when coolant is added or changed.
A 50/50 mixture of ethylene glycol (DEX-COOL) and water will provide the following:
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Freezing protection down to -37°C (-34°F).
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Boiling protection up to 129°C (265°F).
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Help keep the proper engine temperature.
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Rust and corrosion protection.
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Allow the sensors and switches to operate as designed.
CAUTION: Do not use a solution stronger than 70 percent antifreeze. Pure antifreeze will freeze at -22°C (-8°F).
DESCRIPTION
Some coolant manufacturers are mixing other types of glycol in their coolant formulations; propylene glycol is the most common new ingredient
However, propylene glycol is not recommended for use in GM vehicles that were manufactured with GM Goodwrench DEX-COOL. A
hydrometer will not always provide a correct measurement of freeze protection when anything other than ethylene glycol and water is being tested.
The degree of inaccuracy will vary depending on the proportion of other glycols present in the coolant. Hydrometers test the amount of glycol in a
mixture by measuring the specific gravity of the mixture; the more ethylene glycol, the higher the float balls go, and the better the freeze
protection. Because ethylene glycol and propylene glycol do not have the same specific gravities, hydrometer readings of mixtures containing
propylene glycol give incorrect values. It is recommended that a "refractometer" be used when testing coolant. Refractometers test for the amount
of glycol in a coolant mixture by measuring the speed of light as it passes through the fluid and are not affected by the specific gravity of the
glycol.
