Changing your coolant EARLY!!!!!

[slls]

Originally Posted by Blue Bowtie

OAT coolants actually protect better than silicated coolants in sealed, non-brass cooling systems. The problems start when the coolant is neglected - Just like any other automotive part or system. They need to be checked periodically, just like the Owner's Manual and service manuals suggest. Saying that the problems are caused by DexCool is like blaming Firestone for Ford Exploders rolling over because the operators didn't maintain proper air pressure, or blaming Pennzoil for your seized engine becuase you let the level go three quarts low.

I have six vehicles using DexCool with over an accumulated 550,000 + miles and no coolant problems. The '96 Lumina I recently acquired did have nasty sludge buildup, but was obviously neglected for the first 140,000 miles of its life. The rest of the fleet has been maintained normally and changed at the proper interval, and is trouble-free. That includes three vehicles with well over 100K each, and an '86 Trans Am which was switched to DexCool after "regular" coolant failed to protect against two heater core failures in less than 40,000 total miles on the vehicle. Five years later, it's still sealed on DexCool.

OAT coolants are "so bad" that Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and most premium European brand cars have switched to it. I guess GM was just ahead of the curve (again) on this one.

But there is 1 chemical that GM uses that the Asians will not use in their coolant, forgot the name but it caused all the GM problems.

[Blue Bowtie]

Only one of the engines is the 191 CID V-6, and it only has 144,000 miles on it. Once it gets broken in, I'll know more about whether the DexCool is a problem or not - It's just too early right now.

[DINO55]

DEXCOOL = DEVIL'S URINE....
9,500 miles on my wife's 2 year old Caviler and I got the pleasure of seeing RED DEXCRAP SAND IN THE FULL RECOVERY BOTTLE. WHAT DID I DO WRONG HERE. SOMEONE PLEASE EXPLAIN ( This oughta be good )

[slls]

Originally Posted by DINO55

DEXCOOL = DEVIL'S URINE....
9,500 miles on my wife's 2 year old Caviler and I got the pleasure of seeing RED DEXCRAP SAND IN THE FULL RECOVERY BOTTLE. WHAT DID I DO WRONG HERE. SOMEONE PLEASE EXPLAIN ( This oughta be good )

Had a 2000 Cavalier with 45K on it when totaled, 2.2 OHV, no rust in coolant. Ecotec 2.2 is a different breed, maybe the engine has a hot spot in it, that will damage the coolant. Another thing are you not sure it is not the infamous seal tablets GM is using in some of there engines, turns the coolant brown.

[gw84]

Originally Posted by DINO55

DEXCOOL = DEVIL'S URINE....
9,500 miles on my wife's 2 year old Caviler and I got the pleasure of seeing RED DEXCRAP SAND IN THE FULL RECOVERY BOTTLE. WHAT DID I DO WRONG HERE. SOMEONE PLEASE EXPLAIN ( This oughta be good )

Just had mine changed a month ago. It looks as though it's starting to turn sandy again also. From what I gather, AIR is the problem here. Air and dexcool don't mix well. Perhaps the rubber cap isn't sealing perfectly; letting air in.

[mazingo]

Blue Bowtie, You say GM was ahead of the power curve? That includes costing the customers MILLIONS in repairs, and not to metion the ones that went to other auto makers after the bad experiences with the ORANGE POO. Just checking.

Oh yeah while I am thinking about it are you supposed to fill the expasion tank completely up? If you are fine but my tank has a mark about 1/2 inch below the top on the front side that says COLD FILL or something like that. which leave AIR IN THE TANK! Then again it also says, " Your engine coolant does not need servicing for 5 years or 150,000".