8th Jul 2013, 14:00
Toyota also had an engine sludge problem and blamed it on the customer not changing the oil when recommended, when in reality it was caused by a faulty PCV system.
Also if you didn't have the dealership change the oil, you were pretty much screwed and had to pay out of pocket... Yeah, great service!
14th Jul 2013, 02:37
I drove my 1992 Buick Regal GS 3.8 for 100,000 miles with leaking intake gaskets caused by Dex-cool. At 300,000 miles it still caused imports' fart can mufflers to emit a sad note of despair when they realized they had no chance of passing a car with a real motor. The Silverado and F-150 are the only trucks documented with over 2 million miles on their original engines. I have owned many cars in 33 years, and the only engine that blew-up was a Toyota.
8th Jul 2013, 09:55
I change my Dexcool max every 2 1/2 to 3 years, and had zero issues. I have a # of GM models, including late model Corvettes. My Silverado models - I have had no issues as well.
I never topped off with anything other than Dexcool, and that included Universal Yellow. And never Green! My caps say Dexcool only. Keep fluids in there 5 years, and I can see issues. Mixing Dexcool can and often happens with the uninformed.
I also change my brake fluids at the same interval; 3 years. Moisture can get in.
I label each of my anti-freezes for each of our cars. My classics I use green or universal. I also unbolt all the reservoir containers and thoroughly clean them, turn them upside down and flush them out. It may cost a bit more to change fluids more often, but it pays dividends on those that turn the key and just drive.
I like to remove the thermostat and refill on late models with no radiator cap. That way there are no hot pockets of air trapped in the block.
Anyway, I have had zero Dexcool issues whatsoever.