Thread: dumb coolant level question

Hey, I can be very anal about some things, and I often over analyze things so go easy on me.

I have an 06 grandprix I recently bought with 20K on it. Car is mint.

Thing is, ALL of my vehicles have been much older, 1980s, my newest was 1992 which I traded in.

I've yet to have a problem using Dexcool, however I know it is important to have the system leak free and air free. I had 226,000 on my 92 pickup running dexcool since 95, and had zero problems, however I kept the system tight, and full.

The 06 grandprix i noticed no matter what I do, when cold will have about an inch worth of air in the filler neck of the rad. The level stays WELL above the rad it self, but not right up to the cap like my older systems. I am assuming this is an intentional design as the overflow tank has plenty, the hose to the tank is good as is the rad cap. I also noticed the overflow tank has some sort of small elbow\bendy air trap thing the hose hooks onto, and its not right to the bottom of the tank.

I just want to be sure its normal to have a small air gap in the filler neck when cold. We also have a 2006 saturn vue now, however that has the pressurized overflow tank, So not really comparable


Sorry if this seems like a retarded question, but Like I said I can be anal, and over analyze things.

Relax. The level is good. Fill the overflow tank to the max level when cold and just check the tank occassionally.
I am in the minority that believes dexcool isn't all bad. Just keep the level good and fix leaks if they occur.

And, what years were these cars that had the gaskets "eaten away" wickedintent?

And I've seen a 92 chevy truck with a 350 run dexcool for 200K and 15 years.. no sludge. no gasket failures. it had the high silicate green crap in it for the first 26K

I should add,

Tho I use Dexcool as well as other silicate free coolants, I've always changed it every 3 years or so. I never let it get close to the so called 5 years /150K

This thead is not an antifreeze debate. Was a simple level question,

dexcool only breaks down when it is heated up and a air pocket is present.... if no leaks happen and air doesnt get in the system there is no probems with it... ive seen both cases... dexcool is horrible when people dont check things on their cars unless there is a huge puddle under it... which happens to be 80% of the population

I had posted a response lastnite But it has to be approved by an OP because it was a response to my own post.

I change my Dexcool every 3 years, I'd never let it go 5 years / 150K like they suggest. I'll be doing the GP this spring. As I mentioned I can be anal and i over analyze things. I have my reasons for sticking with Dex as well as Low-silicate coolant in my ATV's, Spent a lot of time researching\reading about them in the 90s and even recently. I've found running Dexcool with distilled water and rinsing every 3 years leaves the system cleaner then standard green ever did. I've also seen what happens if you run it 5-6 years and let the system run low.... Luckily it was not on any of my vehicles.


I appreciate everyones feedback and help, The great thing about forums is you get to see everyones side of things.

Amen - really.