LS Swap Fluids

[cebra]

I think the last thing I need to pick up for my swap is fluids, I want to run down to make sure I have everything correct: 4.8L Engine, NV3500 Trans

Oil - Synthetic 5w30 (live in a warm area)
Trans Fluid - GM Syncromesh only? is this a dealer only option?
Coolant - Dexcool - mine was pink, doubt that really matters
Clutch Fluid - DOT 3
PS Fluid - Steering Gear still has ATF in it, ok to run this with LS pump?

[ls1nova71]

Never done a manual swap, so cant help you on that fluid, but for the power steering I usually run power steering fluid, although ATF shouldn't hurt it. However, under no circumstances would I run Dexcool again. It is only good, and I use that term lightly, in factory applications, not in a swap unless your cooling system is completely sealed. If it comes in contact with air, such as when the system cools down and draws air back into it, it will turn to mud, ask me how I know....

[cebra]

Originally Posted by ls1nova71

Never done a manual swap, so cant help you on that fluid, but for the power steering I usually run power steering fluid, although ATF shouldn't hurt it. However, under no circumstances would I run Dexcool again. It is only good, and I use that term lightly, in factory applications, not in a swap unless your cooling system is completely sealed. If it comes in contact with air, such as when the system cools down and draws air back into it, it will turn to mud, ask me how I know....

Thanks for the tip, I will just run the green stuff. Do you think it will be ok for me to mix PS fluid with the ATF that is left in the steering box? I did drive that thing down 5 stories of a parking garage with no PS pump dripping PS fluid the whole way so it may be closer to empty.

[Wgesnerjr]

Originally Posted by ls1nova71

However, under no circumstances would I run Dexcool again. It is only good, and I use that term lightly, in factory applications, not in a swap unless your cooling system is completely sealed. If it comes in contact with air, such as when the system cools down and draws air back into it, it will turn to mud, ask me how I know....

X2 ^^^

Hate Dexcool!! I'm running PEAK green stuff in my swap and all is well.

I used Advance PS fluid and did a flush. (disconnected return PS hose into bucket and ran two quarts through the box, turning wheels left and right.) After bleeding the system, all seems well.

For oil, I used Castol High Mileage since my engine had 178K on it. Engine seems perfectly happy with it.

Coming up on 3000 miles

[cebra]

Unfortunately I don't have the option to flush it now, it is at the shop getting the swap done so I either have to mix the PS fluid with what ATF is left in the system or stick with ATF. Just don't know which would be worse for the pump/driveability.

[Nodnarb76]

One thing to think about.
If your putting in a used motor and it already had Dexcool in it, you may not want to put the green coolant in it. I have heard that if there was Dexcool in it and you then put green coolant in, it may mix and mess up seals/gaskets. Don't know how true this is.
I was afraid there may still be pockets of old Dexcool in my used motor so I went back with Dexcool and have not had any problems in 12,000 miles.

[mongocanfly]

If your still running your original steering box, it might be a good time to throw in a nice re built one.....
Also be sure to use distilled water in your radiator with the (green stuff)....unless you use premix

[mongocanfly]

And if it takes the synchro mesh then it's the dealer and I think summit has it..but get ready....$$$$

[mongocanfly]

saw a commercial for irontite...says it will flush out dexcool....anybody ever heard of it?.......http://irontite.com/additives/

[Andyking1203]

As for your ps fluid question, I'd just add the ps fluid as needed and not worry about the at in the system.

[truckdude239]

Just run the premixed antifeeze that mixes with any color thats what i do 5 years on swap no issuse with gelling or nastey antifreeze I did have my aluminum radiator go out but that seems to be a common issue with the brand that I bought so not a coolant problem

[77c10bowtie]

Dexcool only has issues when it comes in contact with other coolant or if you fail to do regular maintenance. I would never hesitate to use dexcool

[ls1nova71]

Originally Posted by 77c10bowtie

Dexcool only has issues when it comes in contact with other coolant or if you fail to do regular maintenance. I would never hesitate to use dexcool

Not really. My LS1 only had 24k miles on it, so it always had Dexcool in it, the radiator had been rebuilt, and the heater core was replaced by a Vintage Air system. It would muck up under the radiator cap. I later found out that it was because Dexcool is not meant to be in an 'open' cooling system, which is what cars had in 1971. When air would be drawn back in the system when it was cooling down, it would turn to mud. Wish I had pics of it. It ended up clogging up a brand new VA heater core. Not worth it in my opinion to use it. It costs more, and isn't any better than the green stuff.

[77c10bowtie]

Originally Posted by ls1nova71

Not really. My LS1 only had 24k miles on it, so it always had Dexcool in it, the radiator had been rebuilt, and the heater core was replaced by a Vintage Air system. It would muck up under the radiator cap. I later found out that it was because Dexcool is not meant to be in an 'open' cooling system, which is what cars had in 1971. When air would be drawn back in the system when it was cooling down, it would turn to mud. Wish I had pics of it. It ended up clogging up a brand new VA heater core. Not worth it in my opinion to use it. It costs more, and isn't any better than the green stuff.

All GM vehicles that have dexcool have a pressurized cooling system with pressurized "overflow reservoir" you cant use an open reservoir.

[ls1nova71]

Originally Posted by 77c10bowtie

All GM vehicles that have dexcool have a pressurized cooling system with pressurized "overflow reservoir" you cant use an open reservoir.

That's almost exactly what I said. The thread title is "LS swap fluids" and since most swaps dont Include the surge tank and all its associated junk, you're way better off not using Dexcrap....

[cebra]

Thanks for all the opinions. I will run green stuff and just fill the pump and empty portion of the steering box with PS fluid.

[Daaaanz67]

Green stuff do you guys mean the traditional old green? Has any one ever use the red Asian coolant? Any opinions on the Asian mix? Only reason I ask about the Asian stuff is I cheated once on a Toyota by using green stuff and ended up with a blown head gasket. After I tore the head off it looked like electrolysis had eaten the gasket. I had always use red in my Toyota and the one time I went with green it bit me in the arse.

[Daaaanz67]

Crap sorry didn’t mean to hijack your thread should have started my own.