Dex says Dex is good for lots of cars too. My guess is your LIM gaskets have bitten the dust around the coolant ports.

DO correct me if I'm wrong, but WillWren has been recommending people replace their OEM Havoline Dexcool with DEX COMPATIBLE Prestone.

Also. I didn't choose the coolant. It was recommended to me at Advance Auto Parts because it protects the cooling system better than other coolants.

And I will smell the coolant tomorrow. But I don't think....oh crap who knows, but if I've cooked my LIM gaskets, I don't have the time, money or tools to pull off the top end and be replacing gaskets.

Yourt car doesn't have DEX OEM, that'* 96+.

You got regular green coolant.

I KNOW that, but why would it be recommended to replace DEX if it has the same effects AS DEX.

Reguardless of outcome of this coolant debate....

What should I do other than smell the coolant and confirm my worst nightmare?

Don't worry too much if you haven't noticed excessive steam coming from the exhaust or milky oil. I doubt if having "Dex-Cool" in the coolant for 16 months has anything to do with your current problem - just wondered why you did it.

I don't think any of us really know what'* in the" Prestone Dex-Cool Approved". The gearheads were debating this on Friday. I tried calling Prestone on Friday but called too late. I'll try again on Tuesday.

Edit - You should get a pressure test done.

Haha, well I have a TON of steam coming from the exhaust. Its winter remember? If there WAS abnormal steam coming out of the exhaust pipe, I wouldn't be able to tell ANYWAYS.

But anyways. I know about the debate, this is why I finally decided to post about this problem. Is to see if there was any further development in this whole Dex Compatible stuff.

So thing is, I really need to know if I should get that stuff out of there!

Another thing to check is the upper radiator hose. I found that mine is leaking right by the radiator fitting. It has a small crack in the tank by the hose. Never see a puddle because it evaporates before it falls. Only seeps when system is under pressure. I only noticed it when I noticed a slow loss. Only fix is new radiator or have it braized (as long as it is the copper tank).

If your getting steam after the exhaust system has a chance to get warmed up then I'd call that abnormal.

Well when I bought the car....I had a leak from the upper rad hose from the radiator fitting area...and also one from the rad itself. I loosened the clamp, moved the hose further up on the fitting and retightened the clamp and no leak from there anymore. ALSO, now that I think of it, it IS possible that is has evaporated, but the coolant I have leaves an oily stain where it evaporates, so I'm not too sure what to believe, but I'm really hoping that I didn't kill my LIM with this possibly corrosive fluid.

I am getting steam just like everyone else has been getting as they drive around.