Engine Cooling – V6 Engine
Page 6B1–17
3
Top up as required, using a 50 / 50 mix of clean water and the recommended coolant, which is either DEX-COOL®
long-life coolant or its equivalent, known as Extended Life Anti-freeze Coolant conforming to GM specification
6277M. Refer to 3.2 Coolant Maintenance and 3.3 Draining and Filling Cooling System in this Section, for the
necessary procedures and further information.
3.2 Coolant
Maintenance
Do not mix different types of anti-freeze or
corrosion inhibitors, as they may be
incompatible. If a different type has been used
in the cooling system, flush the system with
clean water, refer to 3.4 Cleaning
Cooling
System – Cooling System Flush in this
Section and refill cooling system with the
correct coolant. Refer to 3.3 Draining
and
Filling Cooling System in this Section.
The cooling system is designed to use a coolant (a mixture of ethylene glycol antifreeze with added corrosion inhibitors,
and water), rather than plain water. The use of glycol also raises the boiling point and increases the cooling system
efficiency. For this reason, it is of the utmost importance that the correct concentration level of ethylene glycol in the
cooling system is maintained.
Addition of plain water into the cooling system when 'topping-up' may dilute the coolant mixture to a point where the
antifreeze / anti-boil and corrosion inhibitor properties of ethylene glycol become ineffective.
The coolant should comprise of a mixture 50% ethylene glycol antifreeze / inhibitor with 50% clear, clean water.
Ethylene glycol conforming to the correct specification is either named DEX-COOL® long-life coolant or its equivalent,
known as Extended Life Anti-freeze Coolant conforming to GM specification 6277M. Both are available in a number of
different quantities. Check the current release of Partfinder™ for specific details.