Originally Posted By: Sayjac
I'd run DexCool these days where it's spec'd. However I'd use whatever was the least expensive DexCool 'concentrate' I could find. Wouldn't chase any specific brand. Last time I purchased it, it was Napa brand which is really Peak brand Orange DexCool according to the SDS.
As for DexCool itself, it was GM that gave it a bad name. Combine cheap plastic 'type' gaskets with non-pressurized recovery tanks and angle neck fill holes, a recipe for disaster. DexCool contains 2eha a known plasticizer, contributed to premature failure of GM LIM gaskets.
Also the angle neck radiator fill holes combined with non pressurized recovery tanks made it virtually impossible to fill the system completely, leaving air in the system. That lead to the radiator gelling issues seen in some GM Dex cooling systems.
Those issues have been resolved now, thus I'd run where spec'd. If you've been running DexCool in your 05, no reason to change now. And I'd choose it over any 'all makes models/universal AF' most commonly sold now.
All fine here except the air comment. I run GM vans here till something fails before servicing the cooling system. Typically this is a water pump around 200k miles or so. Never any issues with gelling or any other problems, completely trouble free. Non-pressurized recovery tanks and tons of extra plumbing with heat exchangers for truck operated equipment.
Since the introduction of Dex we have yet to experience a problem. Perhaps some of the generalities you offer as facts do not apply to some makes/models?