Radiator Fluid Suggestions for new setup/air intake

[H3Harley]

Hey y’all!

We just replace the engine in our 2008 adventure h3. We are replacing spark plugs, condenser, compressor, secondary air injector, water pump, Ac lines, and radiator. Most likely going with a sunbelt radiator or one from automotive cooling inc. My questions is what’s everyone’s experience/opinion on what fluid to run. We’ve always gone with Prestone Dexcool 50/50 but we’ve always ran high temp, had engine damage, and good ole cracked radiator. Since we will be starting completely fresh what would be the best for long term life?! Thanks in advance!!


Also anyone have thoughts or success on reasonably priced air intake? Have seen some people to really like the mod and wondering what’s out there and what people have found worth replacing the oem setup with.

 

[EndeavoredH3]

No issues here with dexcool when the ratio is 50/50 and changed at the right time. Never overheated or had any corrosion issues.

A friend of mine runs Evans waterless coolant. He and I haven’t seen much of a different in temp/longevity with it.

 

[alrock]

My best luck on temps has been an OEM radiator vs. economy aftermarket. I've had 2 OEMs and 2 aftermarket and had better results with OEM and I've used Dexcool all of the time, with flushes at least with each radiator change. What kind of engine damage are you attributing to the use of a Dexcool coolant?

 

[H3Harley]

Thanks for the reply! I don’t believe the damage was ever due to the dex-cool, simply wondering if anyone tried anything else and had good results. Thanks for info on Evans waterless coolant. We went with OEM replacement on radiator. I apologize ahead of time if this is a “dumb question” but do y’all use Prestone, acdelco, or the zerex? Assuming acdelco would be best but when I bought it they always ran prestone.

 

[JPaul]

I just use Prestone Dexcool rated. Works just fine on my Alpha.

 

[rascole]

I have been using Prestone.

 

[08H3]

Dexcool. Amazes me that this is still even a discussion. It's like saying my great, great, great grandfather got food poisoning eating tainted sausage in the late 1800s, so I'm never eating it. The Dexcool issue was a very limited issue years ago.

Edit: Re-read your second post and saw you acknowledged Dexcool was not the issue. Sorry I jumped to the original comment, but there are tons of people who still believe using Dexcool is akin to using battery acid in your engine.

 

[alrock]

I think I've been using Prestone, but not sure.

I know the OEM isn't bulletproof - those plastic tanks do crack - but at least their price is reasonable.

 

[Happy Hummer]

Dex. Just the plan knock off stuff from VatoZone!

 

[amrg]

The H3 intake is a good setup. The aftermarket CAI sysyems out there actually pull hot air from within the engine bay, which unlike other trucks isnt well ventilated and becomes a big oven! They are also very pricey!
Money better spent would be on a snorkel which gets air from above the windshield (much cooler than the in fender oem setup that pulls street heated air). I actually monitored 6* drop on intake temps doing that and my temps are within 2* of ambients now as opposed to 8* previously.
You can also go withba straight tube from the airbox to the throttle body but the I5 vibrates alot and it transmits it to the air box making audible vibrating noises (my case at least)