Just put a new radiator in, flushed the system and switched over to dex cool (red stuff), now I've noticed a puddle. I got under there this morning and it seems to be running down near the starter. Any ideas. I've read about the freeze plugs but isn't that in the Heads only? Doesn't look to be leaking up that high. I'm going to take the starter and that braket goes to flywheel housing off see what I can see. Just wondering if you had any suggestions. It's not a huge amount leaking but concerned!

 

There are two freeze plugs in the side of the block (each side) as well. The one behind the motor mount really like to rust out, and leak.... There are also a couple between the engine and trans.... hope it isn't one of those.....

 

Why would you switch to DexCool?

 

I was wondering the exact same thing. I've heard of alot of gm guys just flushing their dexcool out and switching to the prestone universal green.

 

One of my pups died and I think its was from the green stuff. I heard the red was better, not sure but hate to lose a dog. So if it helps......

 

your cooling system was designed for the green stuff. Just use that.

Gotta be careful where you leave/dispose of it though, it IS toxic to animals, and unfortunately smells/tastes good to them.....

 

Agreed. Here is a link that describes some of the problems/issues: http://www.sancarlosradiator.com/dex-cool.htm

I had a young dog that got out and ingested coolant from someplace else. I ended up having to put her down. It sucks, but it's the responsibility of the pet owner to ensure animals and any hazards (at least in the owner's property) are secured.


I had a 2002 Cavalier that came from the factory with DexCool. I must have been the exception to the rule, because even after 100K miles it was still a nice, pink hue. It has been reported that DexCool reacts with aluminum.

 

got the tranny bracket and starter off. It's not coming from that freeze plug, it's coming from behind the bell housing. I'm guessing its the ones between engine/tranny. Joy there goes my time off, at least its not ball shrinking cold out there...oh wait it is! As far as my Kobeey Bear she had the symtoms of poisoning. I'm not sure if it was from anti-freeze or not but I looked up the symptons and they were the same. In my neighborhood we have had 3 dogs die within the last year from what I believe to be antifreeze poisoning. (not confirmed). I just dont like the green stuff because of that, I would rather use the red but if you think its better to use green I will. Just don't like to

 

If ya look around, I 'think' you can find non-toxic green stuff.

 

Sounds like either someone is poisoning your dogs or both you and your neighbor have some serious vehicle issues.