Dexcool

I own a 98 Pontiac Transport Montana. I am facing a $600 repair bill to correct a leaking lower intake manifold. My mechanic attributes this problem to using DEXCOOL. I have also seen numerous other complaints regarding the use of DEXCOOL. Question#1: Is there a problem with DEXCOOL? Question#2: If there is a problem, how do I get GM to pay for my repairs? Question#3: Do I keep using DEXCOOL or switch to the regular green coolant? Please comment. Thanks.

Hi,

There are plenty of websites that claim that dexcool and intake manifold gaskets aren't compatible. I think there is even a class-action lawsuit being threatened, but GM is denying any responsibility. Here are some cool websites which can help you with your questions.

http://www.geocities.com/b_gillie/dexcool_problems.html
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/gm_dexcool.html

As far as switching from Dexcool to the regular "green stuff" many people are taking the Dexcool out of their cooling systems. All you have to do is flush out the dexcool really well, and use the green stuff.

If you need more information about this, use any Internet search engine and type in Dexcool Lawsuit, you will find plenty to read.

C. Smith

Welcome to my world. Last year my 98 Transport was going through a midlife crisis. My engline light kept coming on and the code always came up as the EGR Valve being the problem. Well, then after many many trips to the dealer to get this figured out, the van started overheating and I was losing antifreeze, none of it externally. It also had a rough start and ran rough until it was warmed up. I was informed the sad news that I was burning up the antifreeze internally and my cylinder heads were warped. So be thankful if you can get by with a $600 repair, my repair cost me $3000 to have my cylinder heads rebuilt and a new intake manifold gasket replaced (automatic on this repair job). I did switch to the green antifreeze after this experience, since I too have researched the cause of this happening and found many complaints that the dexcoolant was not so great afterall. My father, a retired mechanic, wasn't a big fan of the dexcoolant anyway, so now I am using the green coolant. Good luck. BTW, my van is running fine again but it was nine months of ##@@!!

Hi, nothing wrong with DEX at ALL it's great, i use it in all my rides listed below even in my '85 chev 4x4 not one prob. not ONE, my :2cents:

Your right, dexcool is junk. Why replace green when there was nothing wrong with it in the first place. Had my upper intake gasket replaced, mechanic at dealership said this is pretty common. Check TSB for the problem, dealership is using a different type of gasket when they do the work, did they tell you that.