Coolant for the old Buick

[theholycow]

So it's definitely time to change the coolant in my 1980 Buick. Problem: Stores all stock "universal coolant"...no more choice of green or DexCool, now it's one size fits all. I found what I think is old-fashioned green stuff at a parts store but it was fabulously expensive. Is this universal stuff truly harmless or do I need to pay a premium price for what should be old-fashioned cheap stuff?

[Jay2TheRescue]

It should be fine, as long as you flush out all of the old coolant.

[GasSavers_Erik]

What? No more green coolant being sold? Seriously?

And this new stuff isn't supposed to mix with the green?

[theholycow]

The universal ones are supposed to mix with everything. Some are colored green but are universal, not classic green stuff.

The classic green stuff isn't completely gone but it's less common.

[GasSavers_Scott]

The green stuff was made out of Ethylene Glycol, buy the cheapest stuff, its all the same chemical. This new stuff, I dunno. When ever I change fluid, I always add a can of "Water Pump Lubricant, Anti Rust," Its essentially machine oil, that lubricates the waterpump seal and keeps rust from forming. Hope it helps.