I have a 2003 Malibu, 3.1L V6 with about 65K on the clock. So far I
have not had any problem with the cooling system but have read the
horror stories about the Dexcool problem inherent with this
engine/cooling system. Since I am currently not having a problem, what
preventative measures should I take to prolong or even, hopefully
eliminate the problem? Should I flush the system and recharge with
standard coolant? Reload with fresh Dexcool at specific intervals? Any
knowledgeable advice and/or info much appreciated. I would like to
stay as far away from having to do any wrenching as possible.

"Tha RagMan" <wmercier.nospam (AT) shelby (DOT) net> wrote

If you add or replace the dexcool with regular coolant.... You will have bad
problems, including premature wearing of the water pump and sludge build up
..
Go and get it flushed at the manufacturers specs.... kinda like oil, 5000k
or 3 months. I am not sure the interval for coolant, but it is in the
manual, or go to the dealer.

Micheal

"Tha RagMan" <wmercier.nospam (AT) shelby (DOT) net> wrote

I have replaced the dexcool with Prestone/Peak/etc.
regular coolant. It got replaced as I kept filling
as the intake manifold leak brought the level down.
I used BarLeaks heavy duty to stop the leaking, but
I already pretty much replaced the dexcool with regular
coolant. It seems the sludge problem will occur even
with 100% dexcool. You might want to ask your
mechanic about it.

Here's an earlier dexcool post by Ron somebody
about dexcool litigation.
******************
If you have a GM vehicle in the model years 1995 to 2004 and have had
repairs to the cooling system, intake manifold or
heater core you need to check the website below and see if you qualify for
reimbursement.

Dex Cool Litigation Website

http://www.dexcoolsettlement.com/

***********

"Tha RagMan" <wmercier.nospam (AT) shelby (DOT) net> wrote

From what I've read here andion other groups, Dexcool turns acidic over
time. Many people think that this has contributed to the intake manifold
gasket problem - along with GM's poor engineering and cheap quality OEM
gaskets. For my 2000 Malibu, GM said it was good for 5 years/100,000 miles -
ha ha. I've drained/flushed/refilled my car's system with fresh Dexcool
every three years since new in Feb 2000 and haven't had any problems. Then
again, maybe I've just been lucky. ;-)

When I had the intake manifold replaced on my '98 Malibu, I told the
mechanic to completely flush out the old Dexcool and replace it with the
yellow long life coolant you find in most auto parts stores. This engine
already has 315,000 kms and is still running very strong. I can still
manage to get 36-38 MPG while cruising at 90-100km/h, and when I had it
hooked up to a OBD-II scanner, even the emissions test came out clean.

I'm about to purchase a 2001 Monte Carlo, 3.4L with just over 145,000kms.
The very first thing I will do to it is drain and flush the Dexcool and
replace it with the same long life yellow coolant.

Sharky

On Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:00:15 GMT, "Sharky" <cl_8ball (AT) hotmail (DOT) com>
wrote:

Rssg, Doug, Sharky;
Many thanks for the valuable information on the Dexcool issue. Not
sure what I am going to do but since it's pretty much a given that
Dexcool appears to be a problem, I'm leaning toward Sharky's hopeful
solution. I will flush the cooling system thoroughly then proceed to
refill the cooling system. Can any of you give me any brand names of
the long lasting yellow coolant Sharky suggested?

Thanks again to all who've responded. The info you've provided is much
appreciated.
Tha RagMan

I recently ran in to the coolant leak and had to have some work done.
What I was told was that GM sold Dexcool as a 5 year coolant but after
3 years, it becomes corrosive. If you use a standard coolant, you
should change it out every 2 years, with the Dexcool, have it flushed
out every 3 years. This with regular oil changes should help keep
away the intake gasket problems.

I have my fingers crossed on my 2000 Impala, since I had the Dexcool flushed
for the first time this summer after buying the car new. So far, I've had
no problems whatever (knock on wood).
Roy
"D Lee" <dleeaz (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote