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GM & Dexcool Settle lawsuit

15 messages,  Last post on Oct 28, 2009 at 6:35 PM

You are in the Chevy Venture Forum.

What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Venture, Engine, Van

Messages Page 2 of 2

#6 of 15 Re: Drained dexcool antifreeze [442dude] by hout

Jun 08, 2009 (6:23 am)

Replying to: 442dude (Jul 19, 2008 5:23 pm)
442dude, I used a product called Trimsol. Soluable oil added to water sumps for machining metals in drilling boring an turning applications.To be on safe side 6 0z. of straight trimsol to 17 QT systems is fine, more than that, coolant becomes a little sticky. If was sticky still no problems. I have used this since 1969 with no radiator or heater core problems. Water pumps lasted up to 145000 miles or longer.1969 dodge slant 6. Hoses lasted longer also. At least they didn't fail any sooner than normal,what ever that is.

#7 of 15 engine coolant drain plug by hout

Jun 09, 2009 (7:42 am)

442dude,Unable to locate a coolant drain plug on 2005 Buick Century 3.1 engine.If there is one,where is it? Constant flushing untill clear is fine, only to be able to install a little over 3 Qts of undiluted coolant and system is full. Never seen engine without coolant drain plug. So i remove lower radiator hose,drain. Add undiluted coolant,take a drive and check consentration and repeat procedure. This does take some time. Ought to be a less time consuming procedure. At least GM was thinking some, 2 air blead valves solve air pockets. Jack

#8 of 15 Re: Drained dexcool antifreeze [hout] by 442dude

Jun 14, 2009 (6:33 pm)

Replying to: hout (Jun 08, 2009 6:23 am)
Good info!!!!!!! AS for your other question - I'll check the FSM and get back to you...

#9 of 15 Re: engine coolant drain plug [hout] by 442dude

Jun 14, 2009 (6:48 pm)

Replying to: hout (Jun 09, 2009 7:42 am)
Hi Jack,
 
Sorry I didn't see your post sooner - we traded in our Venture so I don't look around here as much as I used to...
 
Anyway...according to the FSM:
 
They don't show a picture of the drain but they mention that there is one on the radiator...I recently drained and refilled my Vue and the drain plug looked more like a screw than the drains like we're used to seeing - on the passenger side of the radiator, and on the SIDE of it, very different than what I'm used to seeing - you actually use a screwdriver to open it and the coolant either comes out full blast and splashes all over the place or just a trickle (Dexcool tastes pretty good by the way although I wouldn't recommend drinking it - and it takes a lot of turns to get it open...it also takes a lot of finesse to get it closed.
 
I'll stop by more often - let me know how you do...

#10 of 15 Re: engine coolant drain plug [442dude] by hout

Jun 25, 2009 (9:15 am)

Replying to: 442dude (Jun 14, 2009 6:48 pm)
442dude, I have found no drain plugs of any kind on 2005 Buick Century pertaining to coolant. Benifits to removing Dex-cool ! Installed Peak around first of June. This was complete flush with flush kit from prestone installed per instructions. I found it difficult removing thermostat housing bolts. Removed heat shroud. Per instructions of Haynes Repair Manual coolant was removed and new insalled. No mention of removing heat shroud in repair manual. On 6/20/09 radiator cooling fans came on first time since October of 2005. Heat gage was normal, Engine had idled for about 2 minutes, 88 outside Temp. I feel that this was a normal condition, Air had been turned on before arriving home. So i think Dex-cool with what seems to be some kind of sealer in it kept the coolant sensor from working properly. Also heater works properly. Coolant must be kept clean so sensors can do there job and heater cores back flushed to remove foreign material. I agree with coolant Mfg's saying replaceing coolant every 2 Yr's. Point is you can use any brand of coolant you want ase long as you keep it clean. I am sure there are some no-no's. Jack

#11 of 15 Re: engine coolant drain plug [hout] by imidazol97

Jun 26, 2009 (9:13 am)

Replying to: hout (Jun 25, 2009 9:15 am)
There is mostlly likely a drain on the bottom of the radiator if you can't find anything on the side tanks. On my leSabre there's a hole up through the air dam the goes to a pair of prongs that are the screw. I have read a certain size socket fits on those and you can turn them on the end of a socket wrench without removing the air dam. I just take off the lower radiator hose like you did.
 
Also don't know which motor you have but there are supposed to be two small drains on a 3800. I never could see them while under the motor. I also have read that the knock sensors are removed to allow a block drain.

#12 of 15 Re: engine coolant drain plug [imidazol97] by hout

Jun 29, 2009 (1:27 pm)

Replying to: imidazol97 (Jun 26, 2009 9:13 am)
2005 Buick Century custom has a 3.1 V-6. Very hard to see, without lift any sort of fittings for removal of coolant. Jack

#13 of 15 Replacing DexCool by lhy

Jul 17, 2009 (8:32 pm)

I have a 1996 Olds 88. I am thinking about replacing the DexCool coolant in it. I've heard that this coolant causes a lot of problems with leakage and corrosion, particularly with the intake manifold.
 
Do you recommend that I flush the DexCool out?
 
Should I do a "power flush"?
 
And what coolant should I use instead of DexCool?

#14 of 15 dexcool isssue by erock64

Oct 28, 2009 (6:20 pm)

I just replaced the intake manifold gaskets in my 1996 chevy c1500 5.7L about two months ago.The water pump was right behind that. I was aware that there were lawsuits in other states,but not in WA. Is there any way to re coop my losses on this one?

#15 of 15 Re: Replacing DexCool [lhy] by erock64

Oct 28, 2009 (6:35 pm)

Replying to: lhy (Jul 17, 2009 8:32 pm)
I replaced the dexcool with the green about two months ago after learning that my intake manifold gaskets were leaking. Then a month later,the water pump. They say its ok to do,but have to get ALL the dexcrap out!! I had the work done at a shop. Dont know what to tell you on the power flush. Google "dexcool issues" and and read up on it and you should be convinced to make the switch to green.

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