Coolant looking funny

I recently purchased a 2001 Intrigue GLS w/44,000 miles on it. I love it, but I have a question. The coolant tank isn't clear or white above the coolant level, but rather a orangish brownish. I have seen pictures on the internet of other intrigues and the tank isn't usually stained like this. also, the coolant seems to look a little thick when you open the tank and look at it. Where should the temp. needle be - mine usually stays right in the middle of 1/4 and 1/2 up (so about 1/3) the gauge, but when you idle for a while it'll move up to half. Could there be a leak in the system, b/c i've had trouble with a previous Gm cooling system where the intake and head gasket wore out and leaked, causing the coolant to leave a brownish residue in the tank. My intrigue also has the similar smell to that car after you turn it off. Any suggestions? Anyone had similar troubles? HELP! A seperate issue is the A/C - it's really cold (like it should be) on the pass side, but only cool on the driver's side. Is it low on freon? or is the darn digital climate control screwed?

Hi
my '99 coolant tank is also orange/brown looking. I have had no trouble with temperature, nor have I had to add an unusual amount of coolant to keep the tank filled properly - I have probably added 8-12 ounces in two years. I wondered about the coolant a while back so I loosened a hose clamp near the radiator and allowed some to leak into a clear container. It was clean, clear and purple just like the new dexcool I purchased. Hopefully we will hear some others' experiences. My temp by the way runs right about where yours does. I have never seen it above about half.

http://www.a-body.net/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=1117&sid=ffc7f9c2d29c457fdb906e46398e4109

this is info from A-body.net (Olds Ciera -keeping it real - and under $500) on Dex vs the Green stuff.

My Dex is the orange type. Purple Dex?

Is the Intrigue a $500 car yet?

My bottle is kinda stained too, and it runs at about 1/3, and 1/2 when idling for awhile. Just to be on the safe side I had the dexcool changed on my 2002 at 47,000 miles. I had it done at a dealer that has one of the BG flush machines - it gets it all out. Dexcool is supposed to last longer, but I don't trust it and recommend getting it changed by 50,000. If it was a 3.8 I wouldn't be as concerned because they are a lot easier to work on if disassembly is required. Being a hi-tech 3.5 motor I want to give it every chance I can for longjevity.

http://www.a-body.net/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=1117&sid=ffc7f9c2d29c457fdb906e46398e4109

this is info from A-body.net (Olds Ciera -keeping it real - and under $500) on Dex vs the Green stuff.

My Dex is the orange type. Purple Dex?

Is the Intrigue a $500 car yet?


Yeah orange of course. Don' t know where I got the Purple