1998 Chevrolet S-10 LX Blazer 4x4 from North America - Comments

Alternator at 22,500 miles.

Muffler at 22,500 miles.

Battery at 27,000.

Starter at 27,000.

Coolant break down and separation at 41,000 miles resulting in many gasket failures, water pump impeller and seals.

Seat recline mechanism on drivers seat at 48,000.

I still like my Blazer despite all the problems. My issues are with GM and hesitation to recall for the coolant and seat recline levers.

I must warn everyone about the new engine coolant GM put in these newer cars. If you do not replace the coolant before 5 years, it breaks down and turns in to an abrasive liquid. GM is aware of this problem and they call it "Mississippi Mud". When you remove the radiator cap, it looks like coffee grounds floating on top. I took my Blazer to the dealer to get the coolant flushed out. It took 10 strait hours and 5 separate flushing cycles to get it all out. As the build up was removed, gaskets began failing in every area the coolant touched them. It also eats away at the radiator, heater core, intake gaskets, water pump and the water pump gaskets. I was very lucky that I decided to have the dealer flush the cooling system so they could watch all the leaks begin as they removed the coolant. Otherwise it would of cost me almost 1000$. If you have not replaced your coolant, do it now or you WILL have the same problems. Hopefully GM will recall and repair this issue, there is currently a class action law suit taking place as we speak.

I checked my engine coolant in December of 2004 and it was fine. 4 months later I checked it to find this problem, I couldn't believe how fast it failed. I had it all flushed out in May of 2005 and just today noticed more of the black mud like stuff floating in the filler neck. I'm now considering going back to using the old style green antifreeze as it is much cheaper and never fails like this newer, eco-friendly coolant does.

I can't stress enough how all of you should be looking out for this condition if you have not changed your antifreeze yet. GM recommends changing it out every 5 years. I waited 5 years but since my Blazer was manufactured in 1998, it was more than 5 years. I didn't know that until it was too late.

If you think the problems you all have had are bad, you haven't seen anything yet until this problem occurs. If you do not catch it and fix it ASAP, it will destroy everything the engine coolant comes in contact with. The cost of fixing all of this could run into the thousands of dollars so please look now before it becomes an issue.

You are correct! my intake gasket started leaking and I took it to a chevrolet dealer and they told me it would cost me over a thousand dollars to replace the intake gasket, flush the cooling system, replace the thermostadt and gasket!this is outrageous. I never new of this problem untill I read your comments. thank you and I will try to find someone else to do the job or I will try to fix it my self. thanks again for the information!!!

I also run a 98 4.3L Vortech, and I waited until 100,000 miles to do the flush, 50,000 miles before they say you have to. I ended up replacing the intake manifold gasket, but not until 140,000 miles, so I cannot say for sure whether or not the coolant had anything to do with it. But I agree and urge everyone who owns a vehicle with this new Dex-cool coolant, CHANGE YOUR FLUIDS REGULARLY. At least every other year, if not every year, the contaminants in your engine wreak havoc with your coolant and your oil. That goes for your transmission oil too, change that out every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. These 4.3L engines will run forever if you just take care of them!!!