Anti-Freeze

[GSD]

I have a 1998 1.9TDi Passat Sport which following a loss of coolant had to have a new radiator fitted just over a week ago by a local independent garage.

Previously the coolant in the plastic header tank was orange in colour so I assume that the anti-freeze was the G12 variety specified by VW, particularly as I'm pretty certain that this hadn't been changed since the car was new. However the new coolant, which initially had a blue tinge, has now turned the same sort of purple/mauve colour that methylated spirits has.

In the circumstances I'm rather concerned that the new anti-freeze, which doesn't seem to have any noticeable odour, may not be compatible with either the residue of the old coolant left in the system or the VW engine block and components, particularly as the handbook specifically warns against using anything other than G12 antifreeze.

In the circumstances I would be very grateful for any comments or advice regardging this and whether there are trade varieties of anti-freeze which are not orange in colour but which are compatible with G12.

Many thanks, GSD.

[pontyslapper]

I get that flushed through as quick as I could. Refill with pukka G12.

VW coolant is apparently very dicey stuff when mixed with anything apart from itself - stories about brown mud substances abound.

I think its down to chemical reactions and the metals used in the engine block. If in doubt ring your local VW dealer and ask to speak to the service bods or nip down and speak to the guys in the part department.

Hope this doesn't scare you too much. Oh most VWs will have the coolant type stamped or printed on the header tank or header tank lid.

G11 is blue, G12 is red. As far as I know nothing else is compatible with these and they don't even like each other much!

A full proper VW flush out involves lots of water and compressed air to literally blow the 'old' stuff out of any nooks and crannys deep in the engine block and the pipework.

[cruiser647]

Once flushed, get back to the garage and have a quiet word with them. Also, check your receipt for G12 and then drop the bill onto their desk, once you find they used G11 or 'standard' stuff. They should know what anti-freeze to use - especially as it's on all the header tanks!

Take no crap about it being fine as it's not mixed.

[GSD]

I checked with the garage today and they said that they used Car Plan 'industry standard' bulk antifreeze in all the cars they repair or service and hadn't had any previous problems, but when they checked with their supplier they confirmed that this was, in fact, an ethylene glycol based antifreeze.

When I explained that the VW handbook specifically warned against using anything other than G12 antifreeze they agreed to check with the local VW dealer who confirmed that this was correct, and that damage could result in the longer term if the incorrect antifreeze was used. As a result the garage readily agreed to have the car back next week to change the antifreeze over free of charge.

When I asked if the whole cooling system need to be power flushed they said that this shouldn't be necessary as all the coolant would fall out when hoses were removed. However I'm not at all sure that this is correct and as I certainly don't want to risk any residual problems with the new G12 mixing with the Car Plan stuff I will certainly ask them to do a proper flush out. I will let you know what happens next week, GSD.

[pontyslapper]

GSD,

I'd push very hard for a full flush to VW standards - lots of water and compressed air.

Hope you don't have to drive the car too much in the mean time!!