LIM DexCool question

[nessam]

I have to have my lower intake gaskets replaced. From the information I've read, I understand that the combination of the GM crappy gaskets and the DexCool have caused this leakage problem.

My actual question is this: Do I have to use Dexcool in my 2002 Pontiac Grand Am when the gaskets are changed? I know the manual recommends only DexCool and that is what they intend to refill my car with. Are there other options or what are your recommendations for this?

[J-Ri]

Green coolant can be used. New (orange, as opposed to the original pink) De-cool has supposedly been fixed. The first design had an organic base that was killed by the chlorine in tap water, resulting in the coolant being worse than plain water for everything except freeze protection. "They" say that the silica in green coolant will damage radiators and heater cores that were not designed for it, so use a non-silicated antifreeze. I have had plain silicated green coolant in my 96 Beretta since I bought it, and was told it was changed to green in '98. I have had no leaks at all.

Ask them if they will use something else if you sign a waiver. The issue here is that if you have a coolant related failure, technically you could sue them because they used a fluid other than what is specified by the engineers of the vehicle. And the engineers know best...

[xeroinfinity]

Either way you go on the coolant, green or dex, it's a good idea to mark on the reservoir what you have in there.

If someone was to mix the two different coolants, they will gel up and not flow real well.
A big mess for sure!

['97ventureowner]

Originally Posted by nessam

My actual question is this: Do I have to use Dexcool in my 2002 Pontiac Grand Am when the gaskets are changed? I know the manual recommends only DexCool and that is what they intend to refill my car with. Are there other options or what are your recommendations for this?

This debate will rage on long after the vehicles involved with the gasket problem find their way to the salvage yards. Dex Cool is the recommended coolant for these vehicles mainly because of the protection package it contains which is totally different than the old standby green ethylene glycol based coolant. The Dex Cool is an Organic Acid Technology based coolant designed for these modern engines. You can use other coolants but why would you take the risk of damaging you engine. Yeah, there are those out there that claim they have used the green coolant and may be lucky that they have experienced no damage yet. The Dex Cool really isn't the problem, rather the intake gasket materials are being blamed for these problems. There was an interesting thread over in the Grand Prix froum a short time ago concerning the "class action lawsuit" against GM for the LIM gaskets. There were some interesting responses there:http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=854470 , especially posts 6 & 7. Dex Cool is still being installed in new vehicles today. I would think if it was that much of an issue GM would've found an alternative. I still run Dex Cool in all my GM vehicles in which it was installed from the factory and have not had any further issues.

[xeroinfinity]

Yeah Tom, the old ethylene glycol (EG) does hav issues with all the different metals in the cooling system, and causing some break down of the system components, and metal/gasket fatigue.

I use the green Peak Global Lifetime antifreeze in one GA and Dex in the other.
The thing I think about with Dex, is the sodium base causing build up/clogges on smaller passages(internally) and it always looks brown after a few thousand miles.

Another problem is city water with chlorine in it causing issues with corrosion.
I always use distilled when adding water, but most of the time, you do a full system flush you just use the 50/50 mix and hope the factory is using distilled in thier mix.

I know most of the Antifreeze companies are trying to make thier products less corrosive and work in more types of vehicles.

I guess you could void your warranty using the wrong coolant.

I also notice a more stable engine temp with the green.

['97ventureowner]

Originally Posted by xeroinfinity

Another problem is city water with chlorine in it causing issues with corrosion.
I always use distilled when adding water, but most of the time, you do a full system flush you just use the 50/50 mix and hope the factory is using distilled in thier mix.

Yeah, JC not using distilled water can be a problem. But IIRC isn't it pretty much a requirement from the antifreeze companies to recommend vehicle owners use distilled water when replacing the coolant in their vehicles? As far back as I can remember to the early '70s, my father ALWAYS used distilled water when he replaced the coolant.And I always remember seeing it printed on the old Xerex bottles and whatever else he used at that time. For the cost of a gallon of distilled water in the store, it's worth it to use it.
I, too would hope the factory would use distilled water in their 50/50 mix. I wonder if an independant lab has ever run tests to see. It reminds me of the argument that bottled water we buy isn't any better, and in sometimes worse than our regular tap water.

[xeroinfinity]

Though the antifreeze may say "use distilled water", most people don't read or abide by those rules, then that's why they get rust in thier cooling systems , thus leading to clogs/problems. Saw a lot to of rusty this fall.

Haha !
We'll save the bottled water for the OTC .

['97ventureowner]

Another reason to use distilled water is that most people who live in rural areas use well water which can be notoriously hard and cause scale and buildup in the cooling system, especially the radiator. I know that's one of the problems we had before we got "city water" piped down our road in '93. You'd spray the water on glass and when it dried it left horrible stains and whitish marks.

[xeroinfinity]

I live in the country but my water's pretty clean even the outside hose, but I still wouldnt use it unless its an emergency.
City water also has chlorine and in some places floride.

Ever heard of anyone using TSP to clean thier cooling system ?