Dex-cool or not?

My mechanic wants me to change to the green stuff from Dex-cool.
Any input?

Did the mechanic have any particular reason for wanting to take DexCool out, other than unfamiliarity with it?

I personally wouldn't listen to him. In an aluminum engine, the green stuff is more likely to result in head gasket/other issues. Just make sure you have the cooling system flushed every 2-3 years/30k miles or so, and NEVER put non-Dexcool in it (or else you'll need a really good flush). Also make sure they put the sealant tabs in. See
http://www.babcox.com/editorial/us/us100232.htm for more information.

--Robert

He used to be a service manager at a GM dealer, so he is familiar with it.
He claims it gums stuff up.

Robert is correct...do not put glycol alcohol based coolant in any Northstar engine period. Run the Dexcool only shorten the replacement cycle to every 3 years or so. Virtually all Dexcool issues GM is litigating about relates to their cast iron block and head engines which can cause slugging if the coolant becomes contaminated.
HTH,
gm7

what about other brands of extended life coolant, iv heard that they dont have the fallout that dexcool has in some cars without the pressurized resovoir

Dexcool has gotten a bad "rap." I personally hate it but I can't say a lot of the problems people have experienced is due solely to Dexcool. I have changed to the green stuff after having many problems with my cooling system such as sludge, and the heater core and rad leaking. I have also suggested some of my customers change over, but this is a personal decision. By the way, I have a few friends at the GM dealer ( service managers, mechanics and parts guys,) and I have also heard from them to change over to the green antifreeze. This is what finalized my decision to change after experiencing many problems. By the way, I have had green in my Pontiac for three years now, and no more problems. And yes, I am in the service biz and have performed my maintenance regularly. The problems that occur with Dexcool usually are due to neglect (although I don't feel I neglected my car) and would also happen with other coolants. Although it is considered a long life coolant, as it approaches the end of its life it tends to become acidic. This is what eats away at the different components such as the rad, heater core, head gaskets, etc. The green antifreeze is fine for aluminum. It just isn't as long a life coolant as Dexcool and must be changed more often. If not the same problems will arise.Another problem is electrolysis which occurs in all vehicles to some degree. Electricity is transferred through the coolant due to some leakage from components ( a few milliamps at best.) The way to minimize this is to ensure you have proper ground connections. This will prevent or minimize any electrolytic action. There are many misconceptions about these coolants such as "they can't be mixed or they will sludge, or the coolants are not compatable and will not mix." I have spoken with technicians from Prestone and other coolant manufacturers who agree that although it is not recommended in any way, the coolants will mix and work. The problem that arises is that each coolant has a different levels of freezing and boiling. Mixing the two will make it very difficult to determine the proper mixture to ensure your coolant has the proper level of protection against freezing and boiling. I was surprised to hear this from more than one tech. The bottom line.......flush your cooling system and change your antifreeze according to manufacturers specs and this should help prevent any of the common issues of Dexcool ( although not in all instances, like mine.)!!!!!!

Well said. Did all Aurora's come with ELC, mine is a '95 with green. I've only had the car since Feb. I work with diesel engines daily, newer Cat's use extended life, Cummins still sticks with green. We haven't noticed any difference between them as far as quality goes. Internally, the engines seem to hold up the same either way. One major difference is leaking. When that red crap starts seeping out and cooking to the motor, it cakes on like huge scabs. It makes it easier to find leaks, but a pain to clean all the gummy red goo off.

I think they changed the coolant at some time in the '96 model year - don't know if it was right away or not. Lots of '95's (as well as '93-'94 STSes and Eldos) have ended up with head gasket issues, one of the reasons why GM changed to DexCool.

My '95 is the original "green" coolant. The service manual indicates that a couple of anti-corrosive pellets are to be added after flushing and refilling system. These are available from the dealer.

The crushed walnut pellets are recommended for the DexCool-equipped cars as well, FYI.

DEX-COOL is JUNK! Compare it to ACID running through your engine and all your hoses. Its designed to start causing parts to leak and go out once the worthless 36K warranty is up causing YOU to pay MAJOR bucks for repairs. I've had a BLAZER 4.3L VORTEC with major dexcool problems. Ive seen a 2004 Impala 40K with DEXCOOL leaks in 3 spots. I have a 95 which doesn't have dexcool, THANK GOD!

I decided to take the advice of putting in the green stuff and got all kinds of problems changed back over to dexcool have had not one problem. i have been told by other gm mechanics to use dexcool,

I FORGOT TO MENTION. I had the upper intake rebuilt twice due to the acid-like dexcool eating through it. $700 each time, GM wanting $1150! MY friends bonneville just got out of the shop last month spending $680 for his upper intake top engine rebuild. BUT, a radiator with DEXCOOL is ONLY designed for DEXCOOL! EXCEPT, only the 5.7L camaro! Plus you have to do a complete system flush including every drop running around the engine. Its not recommended to put GREEN stuff in a dexcool radiator, it cant handle it plus im guessing the intake on in upper engine may be slightly different to adapt to dexcool.