GM-GMC: Chevrolet 2500 antifreeze, coolant leaks, intake manifold gasket

Question
My 2000 Chevrolet 2500 350motor truck is leaking
antifreeze. Everyone believes its intake manifold
gasket. You can see it run down outside of motor
but cant pinpoint exact spot.Leaves a puddle. If it is the problem,would using a something beside DEXCOOL in be a problem?I was told it is part of the problem.

Answer
DexCool is supposed to protect newer engines, with their various combinations of metals and plastics, against corrosion-related leaks.

The intake manifold gasket can leak coolant.  So can the head gaskets.

Unless you want to tear the engine down to repair the gaskets, you might try Bar's Leaks.  The product is made from ginger root and crushed walnut shells.  GM sells a cooling system supplement for the Northstar Cadillac engines that use this same formula.  I have used it in a diesel to stop coolant leaks from cylinder head studs.

The Bar's Leaks that should be used is a brown liquid with dark "sediment" in the bottom of the bottle.  The "sediment" is the crushed walnut shells.