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New Engine installation in 99 Olds Minivan--Thanks DEXCOOL!
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mgmken
New User
Aug 16, 2006, 9:27 PM
Post #1 of 4
(1621 views)
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New Engine installation in 99 Olds Minivan--Thanks DEXCOOL!
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As of 1 month ago, I thought I had the best minivan in the world (if there is such a thing). Anyway, car dies via overheating on an 8 mile drive. Mind you, the car has only seen San Diego weather, so no extremes here. My mechanic said that the radiator was full of "mud or cake batter like consistency". Said that he has seen new GM cars with this Dexcool crap that just ruins cars.  Any other experiences similar?
I took the car to 2 dealers for 2 quotes. First dealer said that the cooling system was shot, and that there was a bad leak causing the engine oil and coolant to mix. He was going to replace entire cooling system, replace this and that and even more on the engine and it was going to cost $7500.00 for all the repairs/re-pieceing the engine back together.
Drove (half way--towed the rest) to dealer #2. He said similar diagnosis, but they are GM certified. His advice was to replace the entire engine, replace the entire cooling system and try to reuse the same hoses/belts, etc. His estimate is $5200.00. Once completed GM will be giving a 3 year/100K mile warranty.
Compared to a brand new minivan at $17-$23K, this is small potato's. Not to mention that these new ones are tin cans compared. No leather, no power doors, no dual-air, etc.
Has anyone had to go through a new engine install? Any advice on things I need to ask the dealer? any advice on "make sure they do this or that"?
I know zero about car engines (other than mine wont drive) so want to make sure Im thinking of everything.
Thanks!
Ken
Ken
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DanD
Veteran
/ Moderator
Aug 17, 2006, 12:10 AM
Post #2 of 4
(1619 views)
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Re: New Engine installation in 99 Olds Minivan--Thanks DEXCOOL!
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Dexcool has been a bit problematic but only if the cooling system hasn’t been serviced at the proper intervals. This “mud or cake batter like consistency” stuff that was dexcool happens as the chemicals that make up dexcool start to separate. Flushing the cooling system would have prevented this; your fault for not allowing this service or your mechanic’s for not bringing this to your attention? I guess it doesn’t matter at this point.
If this is a 3.4 Lt engine; they had/have a problem with the intake manifold gaskets leaking allowing the coolant and oil to mix. This usually damages the engine bearings requiring the engine to be rebuilt.
So what they are telling you sounds right and their pricing is fair.
Here’s something you can ask them though; is my engine covered by the extended warranty?
I don’t know what the mileage is of your van or the in service date but GM (here in Canada) have extended the warranty on the 3.4Lt engine from 3 years and 60,000 Klm (Approx. 40,000 miles) to 5 years and a 100,000 Klm (Aprox. 60,000 miles) because of this intake problem.
The in service date is the date you or the original purchaser received delivery of the vehicle.
This extended warranty is also left up to the service manager of the dealership as to whether the vehicle is covered or not.
So if the van is within the mileage, time frame and that mud does not bother the service manager you may get an engine under warranty?
Dan.
Canadian "EH"
(This post was edited by DanD on Aug 17, 2006, 4:22 AM)
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Guest
Anonymous Poster
Aug 17, 2006, 8:51 AM
Post #3 of 4
(1605 views)
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Re: New Engine installation in 99 Olds Minivan--Thanks DEXCOOL!
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Thanks for the reply Dan. Yes, I guess it is my fault for not doing the flushing, but it was done at 38K miles and now Im in the high 80's. However, the manufacture says that Dexcool should last 100-150K miles without needing maintenance. Even the back of Prestones Dexcool states "Follow these 3 steps every 5 years, or 150K miles." I guess it should read every 3 years or 36K miles. Anyway...whats done is done. I just learned a very expensive lesson and if anyone is reading this maybe they can learn from me. GO FLUSH YOUR RADIATOR NOW!
The extended warranty was added but was done in July of 2005. I was shocked to hear that it even went that long, because I think the mileage was done a long time prior to 2005.
It's funny...but after looking at $20,000.00 cars, I feel like Im SAVING a ton of money. I should have been shopping for a Mercedes and then my new engine would REALLY be saving so serious cash! 
So I guess than, they are able to replace engines with no further issues? I just want to get another 50-75K miles after this is redone and I will be happy. Mind you, I will be flushing, checking fluids, and caring for the car a bit better this time. 
Thanks again for the reply.
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Guest
Anonymous Poster
Aug 18, 2006, 4:07 AM
Post #4 of 4
(1599 views)
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Re: New Engine installation in 99 Olds Minivan--Thanks DEXCOOL!
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I have a Pontiac with over 200,000 miles and never had any problem with Dexcool. The antifreeze was changed at 100,000 and 200,00 miles as per owners manual.
GM doesn't tell you this, but I have a mechanic friend who removes Dexcool from GM cars all the time and replaces it with the standard green antifreeze and the cars run fine with that kind.
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