PontiacBonnevilleClub.com

I know this will ruffle feathers here.

At least leaks with any vehicle (GM or not), that uses DexCool... Leaks are easy to find... Two ways. It's tell tale orangish tint and of course... That sweet smell. Being a GM tech, my trained nose can smell an open cooling system on a GM vehicle a block away.

I've been chasing a leak on the RGC. At first I thought it was engine oil. Now mind you, this is just looking at the eftermath on my salt covered, dirty driveway, on a cold January morning and then taking a quick peak underneath, and seeing a drop at the bottom of the trans bellhousing, leading me to believe it was engine oil from the rear main seal.

This past weekend, at oil change time, I investigated further. it looks like a coolant leak from two lines next to the radiator and runs to the heater that are seeping. I'll end up JB Welding them and see if that stops it. I hope it's not the radiator as I replaced a couple years ago when the seal on the bottom gave way and it poured out the bottom... That isn't happening here. But my point being, the G-05 coolant that this Chrysler uses, goes in very light yellow in aggregate in a tank, and has a very viscous lubricity to it, that is very similar to clean engine oil in small drops/puddles on a clean surface. And of course, no sweet smell. DexCool has that lubricity at first, but quickly becomes "tacky" as you run your fingers together continually and it soaks in.

So one win for DexCool...

I've never been a hater on DexCool, I think it's ok as long as you change it out in a timely manner and do clean out that overflow tank when changing coolant! Yes, I did have to have the LIM gaskets replaced with the new aluminum framed ones, but not until 145,000 miles so I fault the original design gaskets, not the coolant. My beloved 2004 SLE has 165,000 miles on it now, powertrain is solid, but she is getting a little long in the tooth and the wife has new car fever so I'm afraid my Bonne is not long for my garage.

I have no issues with it either, and my viewpoint is the same as yours. But we all know on 3800 vehicle forums and other GM forums how people blame Dexcool for everything including global warming.

I'm with you guys. Nothing wrong with it as long as it's kept in check, as the whole vehicle should be...

I've never disliked DexCool, nor have I ever switched to another type of coolant. Of course, I really like the Northstar and people tell me I'm crazy for that reason, too! I've also found DexCool very easy to smell a block away.

My gaskets have been changed out and dexcool is fresh and new so I see no reason to change it.
Ya lost me on the N* tho. I do like the sound but I can think of better V8s to get that. Probably even better sound with a lower rpm/higher torque V8.
Now if I had a low mileage motor with original gaskets I'd probably flush the Dexcool in an effort to save the gaskets. Always best to avoid tearing a motor down whenever possible.
But at higher mileage the damage has been done. Better to just change the gaskets and keep the dex.

A lot of people steer clear of the N* as they accumulate miles because they tend to be "needy" and factor in that it's a big engine (top side), in a FWD chassis meant for a V6.

As to comparisons to other V8's, each have their positives and negatives. I too prefer a regular GM V8 (be it small block or big block), but the Northstar does have a very refined sound (the GenIII's and later do too), have very sharp throttle response by comparison, and like the GenIII+ motors, have nice high end power.

My little 4.4L LC3 N* in my Caddy actually puts down a slight bit more RWHP and a lot more RWTQ on a dyno than my GenIII LS1 with heads/cam/headers/etc/etc/etc... In driveability, the LS1 (coupled with a slightly lighter car and manual trans), is a crap load more fun to drive and has a more "usable" power band. But all out, the LC3 still pulls harder at full tilt and never runs out of power. The LS1 actually starts to lose steam past 6,500rpm.

Oh, don't get me wrong. My GXP was a hoot to drive. I never had any issues with my N* either. But I'm sure glad I got rid of it when I did. It's been in the shop 3 times since for costly engine repairs according to the kid's dad who hinted at trading it back for my 05 SLE. I declined of course.
I would like to have seen the 283 survive the times and make it into some of today's cars. That was one hell of a tough little V8.