Chevrolet Repair: 1995 Chevy Lumina...125000KMiles, 1995 chevy lumina, ethylene glycol

Question
Hi,

I know you handle trucks, yet mine is sort of a generic question you might be able to answer.

Within the past week I brought my Lumina (which I love-truly reliable) to three different auto repair shops.  One said I needed intake manifold gaskets ASAP or big trouble was on the horizon.  The other two simply said nothing serious needing immediate attention...just seeping.  The two said to keep an eye on the coolant to prevent overheating until such time down the road I decide to replace the gaskets or not.

My question is about Coolant...do I put that into the plastic overflow container up the "COLD" marking?  What kind of coolant/antifreeze do I use. I live in Colorado where it gets cold and hot.

I live near a walmart and will probably buy the coolant/antifreeze there.

Thanks so much!

Cheri
Littleton, Colorado  

Answer
Hello Cheri,
That vehicle more than likely uses DexCool, a formulation for aluminum radiators. Don't mix Ethylene glycol with it.

Now...there is a lot of controversy and discussion reguarding DexCool.
Some claim it destroys the intake manifold gaskets.
Do a Google search for DexCool, and read some of the info.
Don't just believe it all. I have several vehicles in my fleet that came with DexCool, and I haven't had a problem yet.

Now for your leak.
What you really do NOT want is for coolant to leak into the engine OIL. If the gasket is leaking to the outside, it could also be leaking inside, so check the oil...often. There are some chemical test materials available to test for coolant in the oil. See NAPA, or your favorite parts store.
It can also leak into the intake air stream, but will go through and not be nearly as bad as getting into the oil.

Depending on how much, and how often you need to add coolant, will say how much it is leaking, and how big a hurry to repair.
Yes..fill it to the cold mark.

But if you really like the vehicle, see about getting it repaired before something is severely damaged.

If it is just a tiny seep, maybe a pint a month or less, no reason to stop driving today. But as summer gets here, the cooling system works harder, and the leak won't get better, only worse.

Good luck,
Van