Coolant looking funny

[phewop118]

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?

[busboy4]

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.

[panzer dragoon]

http://www.a-body.net/phpbb2/viewtop...906e46398e4109

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?

[kmohr3]

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.

[busboy4]

Originally Posted by panzer dragoon

http://www.a-body.net/phpbb2/viewtop...906e46398e4109

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