I've searched some of the numerous posts on the intake and coolant issues.
Here'* my situation - any comments welcome, but if everyone'* sick of this subject I'll understand. There'* so much consternation on this subject, my head is spinning. Thanks, as usual, for any input. This forum - well - as many have said before me: man, it'* great.

1999 Bonneville SE
Total miles: 102K (total on new motor: 10K)

I had complete engine failure due to intake failure, and I had to get a new motor. In fact, I opted for a brand new 3800. In retrospect, I wish I had gotten a Dorman intake, but I was just learning about this whole problem. Anyway, I got a new GM intake at the time.

Now, since the new motor I have been using Yellow, instead of the DEX. I think I now have a 180 T-stat as well.

I have 10K on my new motor - so far so good. But I've been thinking that I should get a Dorman soon - even with this low milage - because I'm afraid that the intake will fail again, even with Yellow. My mecahnic says he feels that the DEX is really the culprit. I sez to him, I sez, "Sez you! Maybe it'll fail again with the yellow too."

I'm not equppied with the tools and proper know-how at this point to do it myself, what with goofing around with the fuel rail up there, and I don't know what-all. He'* quoted me about five bills parts and labor to change 'em out This is a really great shop (they changed my motor too,) but yikes!

Or, I could have the intake checked for half that money, but that somehow does not seem worthwhile.

What do you think?
Should the intake be changed?
Leave well enough alone?
Will it probably be OK since I am using Yellow?

The dex is a long life coolant and should be good for 100k. The yellow works fine but will need to be changed out sooner, 60k. Dex needs to be topped up at all times, never let it get low or else it will crystalize and slow down the flow or worse.
The dorman intake is an upgrade and many here have found sucess using it. If the intake issue is keeping you awake at night then change it out. But as long as your coolant is in good shape and the rest of the engine is fine the stock one should last for years.

Thank you. Makes sense to me.

Your 99 engine probably had the Rochester products original intake.
Its been updated to a higher heat and fracture design somewhere around 2001.
Look at the ID sticker on your new engine at the left of the intake near the PCV.
If it sais Delphi it should last for years.

I checked: Yes, the intake has a sticker that says "Delphi E."
Thank you - that is helpful!
Do you know if the Dephi intake was also beefed up at the trouble spots, like the Dorman says theirs is?

Well, it makes me feel better that I can maintain the car and fluids and expect the parts to perform within an acceptable range of quality (I hope ).

Hello, SSEBONNE4EVA,

I just saw your Feb 2004 post about the Delphi not being thicker material since the material is supposed to be more heat resistant. That seems to answer that question...

Thanks again.

I installed a Dorman UIM last year on my 98 Regal.It was aDelphi and at 43000 miles there wasn't even a hint of heat degradation.However I didn't like the looks of the coolant port seals so just installed the Dorman with new seals since it was supposed to be improved to withstand burnthrough and backfires.There were no signs of coolant leaks or problems.It was a preemptive repair.I'm more concerned about the seals than EGR burnthrough.As stated above, your Delphi should last a long time.

I believe that Dexcool is NOT the culprit with the failed intakes. The coolant sludging is just a side effect of the intake manifold warping/cracking from excessive heat from the EGR stovepipe, in my opinion. Next coolant flush I will probably switch to Zerex G-05(i think thats what the name of it is :? ).

i just pulled off my engine cover and i found a little sticker that says delphi with a upc code on it. is that the sticker that means i have a delphi intake? to be honest, i'm not sure where the pcv is on the engine (i am a total newbie!) so i hope that is indeed the correct sticker.

Yes thats the sticker. Its at the far left of the plenum.