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DEXCool litigation: whats the short story?

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Old 12-15-2009, 04:46 AM
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shaggy911
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Default DEXCool litigation: whats the short story?

i got the coolant flush and the dealer used DexCool.

I searched DexCool and found this litigation that GM has settled.
there is even a TSB on it

Anyone know whats the story on this for C5 and Z06?

However i noticed that my coolant temperature is much lesser after the coolant flush. Anyone know what the deal is behind this?



http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f31/dexcool-2659/

heres actually a TSB issued on the DexCool by GM. The sludge is really internal rust in the cooling system due to air pockets.

Pulled up a rather GM generic TSB....you may be able to get an idea of whats up...

Rust in Cooling System, Heater Inoperative, Blows Cold Air, Engine Overheats (Flush Cooling System) #99-06-02-012D
Rust in Cooling System, Heater Inoperative, Blows Cold Air, Engine Overheats (Flush Cooling System)
1996-2000 Chevrolet and GMC S/T Models (Blazer, Jimmy, Sonoma, S10 Pickup)

1998-2000 GMC Envoy

1996-2000 Oldsmobile Bravada

with 4.3L V6 Engine (VINs W, X -- RPOs L35, LF6)

This bulletin is being revised to include additional model years. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 99-06-02-012C (Section 06 -- Engine).

Condition
Some customers may comment that the heater is inoperative, blows cold air, engine may exhibit an overheat condition or the coolant reservoir has rust in it.

Cause
Vehicles equipped with DEX-COOL® coolant, which may have been operated for extended periods of time with a low coolant level, usually in excess of 32,000 km (20,000 mi), may be susceptible to the formation of a rust-like material in the cooling system.

Correction
Flush the cooling system using the repair procedures that follow.

Parts and equipment required/suggested for this correction are listed below.

1 each *Prestone® Flush and Fill Kit #AF-KITP U.S. (#00050 in Canada). This kit can be obtained from your local parts supplier and can be used on all vehicles repaired under this procedure. Save it after performing the repair, as it is reusable.
1 each *Prestone® Heavy Duty Cooling System Cleaner, GM P/N 12346500 - 1 per vehicle. This cleaner is in powder form and contains a neutralizer. Do not substitute other cleaners. The diluted cleaners that are available in liquid form are not recommended for this repair.
5.7 L (6 qt) of 100% (non-diluted) DEX-COOL® coolant (GM Spec 6277M).
1 each new thermostat, GM P/N 12563335.
2 each new radiator cap, GM P/N 15075565.
1 each *Prestone® yellow funnel. This funnel can also be obtained from your local parts supplier. It fits snugly into the radiator opening for an easy fill and is reusable.
*We believe this source and their products to be reliable. There may be additional manufacturers of such products. General Motors does not endorse, indicate any preference for or assume any responsibility for the products from this firm or for any such items which may be available from other sources.


Important
Verify the fuel level in the fuel tank. The fuel level should be above ¼ tank before this procedure is started.

As a precaution, verify the oil level in the crankcase. Add the amount required to bring the oil level into the normal range.

It is recommended the vehicle be placed in a position so that the following are available:

A sanitary sewer -- not a storm drain, etc
A monoxivent system (if the outside temperature is less than 10°C (50°F)).
Hot running water


Notice
Due to the complexity of these procedures, the following repair steps must be strictly adhered to in order to achieve the intended results. Any deviation or substitution may result in sub-standard cleaning/flushing results or system damage.


Diagnostic Procedure
Install the Scan Tool. This will allow monitoring of the coolant temperature throughout the procedure.

Caution
As long as there is pressure in the cooling system, the temperature can be considerably higher than the boiling temperature of the solution in the radiator without causing the solution to boil. Removal of the radiator cap while the engine is hot and pressure is high will cause the solution to boil instantaneously - possibly with explosive force - spewing the solution over the engine, fenders and the person removing the cap. Under some conditions, the engine coolant is combustible.



Important
The installation of a NEW radiator cap at the beginning of this procedure and the second new cap at the end of the repair procedure is necessary in order for the correct pressure to be achieved and for the repair to be completed successfully.
The radiator cap is NOT a good indicator of the general condition of the cooling system. Typically the underside of the radiator cap will exhibit a greater amount of contamination than the rest of the system. It is important to evaluate the condition of the cooling system by checking the following before beginning the repair procedure:

Remove the radiator cap. Install a new radiator cap, GM P/N 15075565. A properly operating radiator cap is essential for this procedure to work properly. Be sure to wipe off all radiator cap sealing surfaces prior to installation.
Start the engine.
Using a flashlight or lead light, look into the radiator. From the right side of the vehicle, peer into the radiator toward the left side of the vehicle. Observe the top three rows (or tubes) of the radiator. (It may be necessary to drain off some of the coolant to see the top three rows of the radiator). If it appears the coolant is able to flow through the third row down from the top, the vehicle should be repaired using Procedure A. If it appears the coolant is NOT able to flow through the third row down from the top, then the vehicle should be repaired using Procedure B.
Stop the engine.
Repair Procedure A & B

Important
If available, use coolant exchanger Pro-Fill 42-75100-KM, Power Flush 211-07601/DEX (available through the GM Dealer Equipment program), or equivalent to evacuate the system of coolant. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for exchanging used coolant with new coolant. However, for this procedure, use water in place of new coolant. Be sure to exchange 1½ times the cooling system capacity of the vehicle with water. This will ensure that only water remains within the cooling system. Once the coolant has been displaced with water, drain the water from the radiator.
If you are located within an area which regulates the disposal of used coolant (check with your local water treatment facility), all coolant and coolant/water mixture must be captured until the water runs clear of coolant. Use a clean 208 L (55 gal) drum or similar to contain the waste coolant. Refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 00-06-02-006 for information on coolant recycling and removal services.

Drain and properly dispose of the coolant.

Caution
Any obstructions in the hoses to or from the coolant recovery bottle may cause over-pressurization of the cooling system. This over-pressurization could result in serious personal injury.


Inspect the following hoses in order to assure there are no obstructions and the coolant is able to flow freely:
The hose to the coolant recovery bottle.
The relief hose from the coolant recovery bottle.
Disconnect both coolant hoses to the heater core from the engine.
Back flush the heater core for 5 minutes after clear water is present. Pressurized water not to exceed 345 Kpa (50 psi), may be used.
Reinstall the heater return hose to the engine.
Install the radiator cap and properly tighten.
Install the "T" from the flush and fill kit to a 25.4 cm (10 in) piece of 19 mm (¾ in) heater hose. Tighten the clamp.
Install the hose to the engine. Tighten the clamp.
Install the other end of the "T" in the heater core inlet hose. Tighten the clamp.
Disconnect the upper radiator hose from the radiator. Properly position the hose, so the accessory drive belt or any pulley/belt cannot touch the hose.
If you used coolant exchange equipment, disconnect it.
Attach a garden hose to the "T" of the flush and fill kit. Turn on the water and back flush the cooling system for at least two minutes after the water runs clear.
Start the engine and continue back flushing the cooling system for five additional minutes.
Turn the engine "OFF".
Turn the water "OFF".
Re-attach the upper radiator hose to the radiator.
Open the radiator drain and drain all water from the radiator.
Remove the lower left water pump crossover bolt. This allows lowering the water level in the left side of the engine.
After the water stops running from the water pump bolt hole, reinstall the bolt.
Close the radiator drain.
Mix the Prestone® Heavy Duty Cooling System Cleaner, GM P/N 12346500, in approximately 3 L (3 qt) of warm water. Pour the mixture into the radiator. Top off the system with plain water and reinstall the radiator cap.
Run the engine at 1600 to 1800 RPM with the air conditioning in the maximum cool position. To achieve the 1600 to 1800 RPM, place a dime between the closed throttle stop and the screw. This screw should never be adjusted, under any circumstance. Its only purpose is to keep the throttle plate from sticking in the bore when the throttle is slammed shut. It is not a minimum idle (RPM) control adjustment screw.

Important
It is imperative that all air pockets have been removed from the cooling system in order for the cleaning procedure to be effective.

Service Procedure A
For Service Procedure A, the cleaner should be left in the system for three hours (after normal operating temperature of the cooling system has been achieved). Normal operating temperature is when the coolant temperature stabilizes around 98°C (200°F). The best results are obtained when the coolant temperature is between 98°C (200°F) and 110°C (230°F). DO NOT EXCEED 113°C (235°F). Use the Scan Tool to determine when this point has been reached. When this temperature has been reached, start the clock. Periodically (every twenty minutes or so), monitor the coolant temperature and engine during the three hour run time. A half hour has been built into the actual labor time to cover for the time spent monitoring the engine, etc.

In order to achieve a constant temperature of 98°C (200°F) to 110°C (230°F) during this procedure, maintain the idle speed, turn on the A/C or partially close the hood.

Service Procedure B
For Service Procedure B, the cleaner should be left in the system for two and a half hours (after normal operating temperature of the cooling system has been achieved). Normal operating temperature is when the coolant temperature stabilizes around 98°C (200°F). The best results are obtained when the coolant temperature is between 98°C (200°F) and 110°C (230°F). DO NOT EXCEED 113°C (235°F). Use the Scan Tool to determine when this point has been reached. When this temperature has been reached, start the clock. Periodically (every twenty minutes or so), monitor the coolant temperature and engine during the two and a half hour run time. A half hour has been built into the actual labor time to cover for the time spent monitoring the engine, etc.

In order to achieve a constant temperature of 98°C (200°F) to 110°C (230°F) during this procedure, maintain the idle speed, turn on the A/C or partially close the hood.



Important
The vehicle should not be left idling outdoors when the ambient temperature is below 10°C (50°F). The flushing procedure relies on heat as a catalyst in order to be effective. Ambient temperatures below 10°C (50°F) do not allow sufficient cycling of the thermostat to effectively clean the cooling system.


Turn off the engine.
Remove the dime from the closed throttle stop screw. Do NOT remove the radiator cap. Following the procedure listed below will assist you in draining the cooling system thoroughly.
Place a drain pan under the radiator drain hose.

Caution
The cooling system and coolant are hot and under pressure. Loosen only the radiator drain until the pressure has been released from the cooling system and follow the procedures exactly in this bulletin, using normal safety precautions to avoid being injured by the hot coolant mixture.


Loosen the radiator drain. Drain approximately 1 L (1 qt) of liquid from the system.
After the pressure has been released from the cooling system, slowly loosen the radiator cap to the safety stop. Do not remove the cap (This releases the spring pressure on the secondary seal while retaining the primary seal to the top of the filler neck and will allow the coolant reservoir to be evacuated).
When the coolant reservoir is empty, re-tighten the radiator cap fully.
Remove the cap from the flush and fill "T". This will allow the coolant to be siphoned from the heater core and the engine block.
When the water has stopped coming out of the radiator drain hose, close the radiator drain. Do not place the cap on the "T".
Using Prestone® Heavy Duty Cooling System Cleaner, GM P/N 12346500, mix the neutralizer (from the bottom of the can) with approximately 3 L (3 qt) of warm (shower temperature) water.

Notice
Do not put cold water into a hot engine as engine damage may occur.

Under no circumstances should the neutralizer be left in the cooling system for any longer than ten minutes once the vehicle has reached operating temperature (thermostat open). The neutralizer is corrosive to aluminum and will damage system components if it is left in the cooling system for longer than ten minutes.


Pour the mixture from the step above into the radiator.
Completely refill the cooling system with warm to hot water through the "T". When the radiator is full, install the radiator cap to the safety catch. Continue to fill until the overflow reservoir is filled to the hot line on the reservoir.
Remove the fill hose and install the cap on the "T" and the radiator fully.

Important
It is imperative that all air pockets have been removed in order for the procedure to be effective.


Start the engine. After engine speed stabilizes, reinstall the dime between the closed throttle stop and the screw. With the A/C on, bring the cooling system back to normal operating temperature and follow the directions on the can.
Turn off the engine.
Remove the dime from the closed throttle stop and the screw.

Caution
As long as there is pressure in the cooling system, the temperature can be considerably higher than the boiling temperature of the solution in the radiator without causing the solution to boil. Removal of the radiator cap while the engine is hot and pressure is high will cause the solution to boil instantaneously - possibly with explosive force - spewing the solution over the engine, fenders and the person removing the cap.


Drain the cooling system, following the procedure listed in Step 24 above.
Do not close the radiator drain. Leave it open.
Disconnect the upper radiator hose from the radiator. Properly position the hose, so the accessory drive belt or any pulley/belt cannot touch the hose.
Attach a garden hose to the "T" of the flush and fill kit. Turn on the water and back flush the cooling system for at least two minutes after the water runs clear.
Start the engine and continue back flushing the cooling system for five additional minutes.
Turn the engine "OFF".
Turn the water "OFF".
Close the radiator drain.

Important
If the repair is a Procedure A, go to Step 40.

If the repair is a Procedure B, remove the radiator and have it recorded and steam clean the end tanks. After reinstalling the radiator, continue to Step 40.


Remove the air cleaner housing and tube assembly from the throttle body.
Remove the two nuts holding the throttle cable bracket to the throttle body and position the bracket and the cables out of the way.
Remove the thermostat.
Remove the previously installed flush kit "T" and hose. Save for future use on other vehicles.
Install the heater inlet hose to the intake manifold and secure with the original spring clamp.
Inspect the thermostat opening and cover for foreign material. Clean if necessary.
Remove the left lower water pump crossover bolt to drain the left side of the block and the left cylinder head.
Install sealant to the bolt threads, using GM P/N 12346004 (Canada GM P/N 10953480), or equivalent and reinstall the water pump crossover bolt. Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 41 N·m (30 lb ft).

If available, use coolant exchanger Pro-Fill, Power Flush, or equivalent to fill the system with 50/50 DEX-COOL® coolant. If a coolant exchanger is not available, proceed to the next step now. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for system fill/coolant exchange. If you are using coolant exchange equipment, you will need to install a new thermostat, GM P/N 12563335 and top off the system with clean drinkable water prior to exchanging. After exchanging, install the upper radiator hose and clean out the coolant recovery bottle. Proceed to Step 56.
Pour 5.6784 L (6 qts) of 100% (not pre-mixed) DEX-COOL® coolant into a clean container.
Using a clean funnel, pour as much of the 100% DEX-COOL® coolant that you can into the engine through the thermostat opening.
Install a new thermostat, GM P/N 12563335. Tighten
Tighten the bolt to the specified torque of 19 N·m (14 lb ft).

Hold the upper radiator hose in the straight up position and pour 0.473 L (1 pint) of the 100% DEX-COOL® coolant into the hose.
Install the upper radiator hose to the radiator and properly position the clamp.
Flush the coolant recovery bottle thoroughly.
Complete the fill of the cooling system with the balance of the 5.7 L (6 qt) of 100% DEX-COOL® coolant and top off with plain water. If the water is not drinkable, do not use. Water must be clean and fresh.

Important
The second new radiator cap must be installed at this point of the procedure. It is possible that small contaminants may have become lodged in portions of the first cap during the cleaning procedure.


Clean the radiator cap sealing surfaces on the radiator. Install the radiator cap, GM P/N 15075565.

Important
It is imperative that all air pockets have been removed in order for the cooling system to function properly.


Run the engine to operating temperature with the air conditioning in the maximum cool position for ten minutes.

Caution
As long as there is pressure in the cooling system, the temperature can be considerably higher than the boiling temperature of the solution in the radiator without causing the solution to boil. Removal of the radiator cap while the engine is hot and pressure is high will cause the solution to boil instantaneously - possibly with explosive force - spewing the solution over the engine, fenders and the person removing the cap. Under some conditions, the engine coolant is combustible.


Turn the engine "OFF" and let it cool.
Check the coolant concentration for a 50/50 mix, using refractometer J 26568 (Centigrade scale) or J 23688 (Fahrenheit scale). Follow the manufacturer's directions for using the coolant tester. Unless your coolant tester has a provision for temperature correction, it is imperative that the correct coolant temperature is achieved when testing the coolant. If the coolant is warmer or cooler, the reading may be incorrect.
Top off the radiator and fill the coolant recovery bottle to 2.54 cm (1 in) above the full hot mark on the coolant reservoir. Add the appropriate coolant mixture to come to a 50/50 mix of the DEX-COOL® coolant.

Important
To assure intended system performance, inform the customer that the cooling system MUST be maintained in a completely full condition.

Last edited by shaggy911; 12-15-2009 at 04:48 AM.
Old 12-15-2009, 06:41 AM
  #2  
killain
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First off, that's a hell of a post. and second, there's not a problem with Dex-Cool. So long as it's not allowed to mix with the atmosphere, or in other words the system if filled with a 50/50 mix of Dex-Cool and water, the system is purged and the sytem is sealed and has no leaks. Dexcool lasts for five years, Max ! I had mine replaced a couple of years ago when my 2003 hit the five years mark, even though I only had 13K miles on the car. I did all my fluids except for the A4. It should never be allowed to go beyond the five year mark without being flushed and refilled in any GM vehicle. The exception/problem is the GM 3800 V6, 1999-200? which had a plastic composite constructed intake manifold which developed cooling system leaks into the engine at the EGR valve due to the manifold itself overheating and cracking and not the Dex-Cool. And the 1995 to some 1999 models had Plastic w/O ring intake manifold gaskets which as any one with a brain could of seen, did not hold up and leaked coolant into the engine. I think that is the bulk of the class action lawsuit.

The problem with Dex-Cool is being mixed with air. That allows the chemical combination to degrade quickly. and as is normal, things like gaskets, hoses and heater cores get clogged, leak and overall, bad things happen. Just like much of the TSB you posted details, low coolant level, allowing a bad hose connection to exist without attention and any situation where the Dex-Cool and air to mix. But there is no problem with the chemical construction of Dex-Cool. Just about every case in the lawsuit has some sort of air leakage into the cooling system or allowed the coolant to run low. I've read all about the current lawsuits and have discussed with my GM Master technician and he said Quote: " Most people who have a problem with 99% of Corvettes/or any other car, is where the owners allowed scheduled maintenance to be ignored. Most overlooked in his view is never flushing/changing the cooling system, Clutch and Brake system fluids.

Last edited by killain; 12-15-2009 at 06:01 PM. Reason: addition
Old 12-15-2009, 10:02 AM
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Originally Posted by killain
" Most people who have a problem with 99% of Corvettes/or any other car, is where the owners allowed scheduled maintenance to be ignored. Most overlooked in his view is never flushing/changing the cooling system, Clutch and Brake system fluids.
Keep it topped off and it'll do a great job of protecting your engine - in a Corvette or any other car. I use it in my two Mazdas as well.
Old 12-15-2009, 10:24 AM
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Dex is fine, I didnt read the whole post but I think what youre referring to is old news.
Old 12-15-2009, 10:59 AM
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Follow the manufacturer's recommendations on changing out the coolant and you should be fine. When I changed the coolant in my '00, it had about 4.5 years of use on it and everything looked very good.
Old 12-15-2009, 12:24 PM
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Ethylene glycol (IUPAC name: ethane-1,2-diol) is an organic compound widely used as an automotive antifreeze and a precursor to polymers. In its pure form, it is an odorless, colorless, syrupy, sweet tasting liquid. However, ethylene glycol is toxic, and ingestion can result in death.

This is why Dex-Cool came into being, as it's biodegradable so if someone just cut a hose or there's a crash and the stuff runs down into the storm drains it won't harm the environment, but it also means once it is exposed to the air is starts to become a sludge or non harmful fluid, but it sure isn't anti-freeze anymore. But it's useful life is 5 years MAX ! Don't risk it, change it when the owners guide says to.

Last edited by killain; 12-15-2009 at 12:26 PM.
Old 12-15-2009, 02:13 PM
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The issue with fails was due to the v6 engines and crappy gaskets, not the dexcool itself.
Old 12-15-2009, 02:28 PM
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...and the tablets that GM added to the DEXCOOL. The tablets are no longer used and gasket technology has improved.
Old 12-15-2009, 03:04 PM
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Originally Posted by killain
First off, that's a hell of a post. and second, there's not a problem with Dex-Cool. So long as it's not allowed to mix with the atmosphere, or in other words the system if filled with a 50/50 mix of Dex-Cool and water, the system is purged and the sytem is sealed and has no leaks. Dexcool lasts for five, Max ! I had mine replaced a couple of years ago when my 2003 hit the five years mark, even though I only had 13K miles on the car. I did all my fluids except for the A4. It should never be allowed to go beyond the five year mark without being flushed and refilled. The exception is the GM 3800 V6, 1999-200? which had a plastic composite constructed intake manifold which developed cooling system leaks into the engine at the EGR valve due to the manifold itself overheating and cracking and not the Dex-Cool. And the 1995 to some 1999 models had Plastic w/O ring intake manifold gaskets which as any one with a brain could of seen, did not hold up and leaked coolant into the engine. I think that is the bulk of the class action lawsuit.

The problem with Dex-Cool is being mixed with air. That allows the chemical combination to degrade quickly. and as is normal, things like gaskets, hoses and heater cores get clogged, leak and overall, bad things happen. Just like much of the TSB you posted details, low coolant level, allowing a bad hose connection to exist without attention and any situation where the Dex-Cool and air to mix. But there is no problem with the chemical construction of Dex-Cool. Just about every case in the lawsuit has some sort of air leakage into the cooling system or allowed the coolant to run low. I've read all about the current lawsuits and have discussed with my GM Master technician and he said Quote: " Most people who have a problem with 99% of Corvettes/or any other car, is where the owners allowed scheduled maintenance to be ignored. Most overlooked in his view is never flushing/changing the cooling system, Clutch and Brake system fluids.
thanks!

as for the post, i copy pasted the TSB since it was getting late and i didnt want to lose that info.
heck i thought it would be better than not, given the threads on powder puff garage queens here
Old 12-15-2009, 03:11 PM
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why doesnt GM just state that, rather than risk maligning the product's cred.

I just flushed all brake/clutch/coolant as a precaution, and went by GM spec. But after reading this it is confusing. there isnt much info on the web.
1. the TSB essentially says, clean with solvent and refill with Dexcool again.
2. The vehicles are limited to certain models only.

So why not just state there is a problem with the engine/vehicle design rahter than blame dexcool?

Or are we incorrect with the statements so far in this thread. just saying, i dont know how a coolant that was used so long can suddenly go bad.

Some say it is when you mix the Green stuff with the orange Dexcool.
Some like you say it is when it goes neglected - due to owner fault.
Some say it is a leak.

I would be greateful if GM could say, look something is wrong with the engine, we screwed up, we are ready to do the dealer fix. This is the list of models affected thats what we know so far.
That would atleast not send every person with Dexcool in their rad, running for a cooling system flush.
Old 12-15-2009, 06:23 PM
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Originally Posted by shaggy911
why doesnt GM just state that, rather than risk maligning the product's cred.

I just flushed all brake/clutch/coolant as a precaution, and went by GM spec. But after reading this it is confusing. there isnt much info on the web.
1. the TSB essentially says, clean with solvent and refill with Dexcool again.
2. The vehicles are limited to certain models only.

So why not just state there is a problem with the engine/vehicle design rahter than blame dexcool?

Or are we incorrect with the statements so far in this thread. just saying, i dont know how a coolant that was used so long can suddenly go bad.

Some say it is when you mix the Green stuff with the orange Dexcool.
Some like you say it is when it goes neglected - due to owner fault.
Some say it is a leak.

I would be greateful if GM could say, look something is wrong with the engine, we screwed up, we are ready to do the dealer fix. This is the list of models affected thats what we know so far.
That would atleast not send every person with Dexcool in their rad, running for a cooling system flush.

OK, Look, the thing is that the old 'Green' anit-freeze is just plain old bad. The EPA ruled that it had to be gotten rid of by all US vehicles, Thus the Chemical companies came up with something that worked very well as a coolant and had the same operating parameters but not be harmful to the enviroment. And that was the birth of Dex-Cool, and it is a perfect chemical for this purpose. But newer cars and our whole idea of Automotive Maintenance is different today than say 20 years ago. You need as an owner, really pay attention to the GM Maintenance Schedule witout delay. If you do this, your automobile will run best, need little or less repairs and last a long time. You can think of it as "Welcome to the 21st Century Automotive world." This applies to a Chevy Cobalt or a Porsche 911 T. Every car has slightly different options, but you cannot miss or delay the Maintenance Schedule !

If you wander around some of the corvette websites you'll run across someone with a non-operating clutch and it always turns out to be fixed with a system flush and adjustment. I am very lucky to live where there is one of the best 'Corvette Only' shops, County Corvette inc. in West Chester, PA and while under warranty, I have Bryner Chevrolet for service. They take excellant care of my 2003 Corvette and I have a great deal of repect for the advice I receive from them and it has save me a lot of money and frustration over the years. But my 2003 corvette and my 1979 corvette are totally different animals.
Old 12-15-2009, 07:41 PM
  #12  
rustyguns
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dexcool eats paper gaskets. non on a vette cooling system that i know of

but i use G 05. much better testing results...google it
Old 12-16-2009, 08:19 PM
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Jet-Jock
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I did not see an application to 97-04 Corvette LS1 engines.

I do not believe this is applicable to these vehicles. Only those listed should be affected by this issue.

Reference: CAC Knowledgebase
Old 12-16-2009, 08:34 PM
  #14  
TEXHAWK0
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I would also suggest that even though GM says Dexcool lasts for 5 years, never let it go over 2-3 years without at least refreshing what will drain by opening the drain ****.
Old 12-16-2009, 08:43 PM
  #15  
Bakersfield
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I used to have an 98 Oldsmobile minivan. After about 5 years it developed a water leak coming from the intake manifold. I paid some $800 to get it fixed. About two years ago, I got the litigation letter in the mail and after reading about the lawsuit, I found that I was eligible for part of the settlement. So I sent in my repair bill and low and behold about 9 months later, I get a check for $800 in the mail. The litigation claimed that the DexCool caused corrosion and could cause manifold leaks. In my case, that was correct. Not sure I would trust DexCool again.
Old 12-16-2009, 10:01 PM
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Originally Posted by TEXHAWK0
I would also suggest that even though GM says Dexcool lasts for 5 years, never let it go over 2-3 years without at least refreshing what will drain by opening the drain ****.
Yep.

Owner's manual says: 150,000 Miles (240 000 km)

Drain, flush and refill the cooling system (or every 60 months since last service, whichever occurs first).
Old 12-17-2009, 01:49 AM
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rustyguns
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Originally Posted by Bakersfield
I used to have an 98 Oldsmobile minivan. After about 5 years it developed a water leak coming from the intake manifold. I paid some $800 to get it fixed. About two years ago, I got the litigation letter in the mail and after reading about the lawsuit, I found that I was eligible for part of the settlement. So I sent in my repair bill and low and behold about 9 months later, I get a check for $800 in the mail. The litigation claimed that the DexCool caused corrosion and could cause manifold leaks. In my case, that was correct. Not sure I would trust DexCool again.
SAME THING HAPPENED TO MY BUICK. ! DEXCOOL=

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Old 12-17-2009, 03:17 AM
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jack_squat
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Don't you find it unusual that GM says to use prestone rad flush, prestone this, prestone that? Dexcool has been proven to become acidic and eat the aluminum components in your engine after five years or if exposed to air. If you mix any other antifreeze with Dexcool it turns to gel, but Dexcool may not be available when you need to top up.
Why not just get rid of that crap and go with tried and true prestone? As soon as the warranty on my GM vehicles expires I flush it completely and refill with prestone and deionized water.
Dexcool has had too many lawsuits and too much bad press for me to trust it whatsoever.
Old 12-17-2009, 04:52 AM
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shaggy911
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Originally Posted by jack_squat
Dexcool has had too many lawsuits and too much bad press for me to trust it whatsoever.
actually the question is if mistrust is applicable. If it was specific to an engine, then no. a lot of people have said this is not applicable to ls1 engines. If it had some bad reaction, it would show up across the board on a number of vehicles all using same aluminum components. but as far as i can read it is specific to certain engines.
Add to that, prestone and dexcool both have the same 2-eha additive that is blamed for weakening seals. So logically would you go with Prestone that doesnt have that much experience/field tested with numerous ls1 engines, or with one that came from the factory on your engine.
I would side with the known problems than unknown variables. Like keeping a car with known issues than buying a used car with unknown issues.
just my 2c.

Last edited by shaggy911; 12-17-2009 at 04:55 AM.
Old 12-17-2009, 01:28 PM
  #20  
rustyguns
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Originally Posted by killain
OK, Look, the thing is that the old 'Green' anit-freeze is just plain old bad. The EPA ruled that it had to be gotten rid of by all US vehicles, Thus the Chemical companies came up with something that worked very well as a coolant and had the same operating parameters but not be harmful to the enviroment. And that was the birth of Dex-Cool, and it is a perfect chemical for this purpose. But newer cars and our whole idea of Automotive Maintenance is different today than say 20 years ago. You need as an owner, really pay attention to the GM Maintenance Schedule witout delay. If you do this, your automobile will run best, need little or less repairs and last a long time. You can think of it as "Welcome to the 21st Century Automotive world." This applies to a Chevy Cobalt or a Porsche 911 T. Every car has slightly different options, but you cannot miss or delay the Maintenance Schedule !

If you wander around some of the corvette websites you'll run across someone with a non-operating clutch and it always turns out to be fixed with a system flush and adjustment. I am very lucky to live where there is one of the best 'Corvette Only' shops, County Corvette inc. in West Chester, PA and while under warranty, I have Bryner Chevrolet for service. They take excellant care of my 2003 Corvette and I have a great deal of repect for the advice I receive from them and it has save me a lot of money and frustration over the years. But my 2003 corvette and my 1979 corvette are totally different animals.


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