[92VdubSLC]

Well....when I put the new engine in I can put any antifreeze in my little heart desires. WHat do you guys suggest? VW G12?

 

[Stephen Webb]

Re: Best antifreeze to use? (92VdubSLC)

I don't know about on your engine, but I imagine it's the same...
VW recommends something (the G12 you are talking about, I guess). I believe the important part is that it is phosphate free, (you can find phosphate free antifreeze at the local parts store, more than likely). I have seen the aluminum parts of an engine (mostly the outlet flanges / oil cooler, etc) disintegrate so badly that there were actually holes in it. From what I'm told it' because the coolant wasn't the phosphate free type. (Who knows, though - maybe the previous owner put brake fluid in the coolant accidentally, or maybe a blown head gasket contributed hot reactive gasses to the coolant. I can't say for sure)
But, VW is pretty clear about recommending it, so that's what I use even though it costs a bit more.
-Steve

 

[spitpilot]

Re: Best antifreeze to use? (Stephen Webb)

Key is to get antifreeze that is phosphate/silicate free and use distilled water to mix. Keep concentration down to 50% (only more if you really need protection to real low temps, per table on jug). Reason...minimize both corrosion and precipitation that can clog radiator passages. Prestone extended life and Havoline (Saw this at local Walmart) specifically list that they are "phosphate/silicate free". You need to flush system (drain refill and run up temp with heater on full) a few times to get rid of old stuff. The repeat process using antifreeze/distilled water mixed at correct ratio at least twice to be sure you end up with good mix. Throw out stuff you drain off on the first go round. This double fill is needed to get to the correct mix because you can't drain all the coolant out.

 

[lostinnc]

Re: Best antifreeze to use? (spitpilot)

VW recommends the phosphate/silicate free stuff for reasons stated above...
I've found this phosphate/silicate free antifreeze is usually pink...
I'd like to know if there is a difference between the VW recommended and the off the shelf pink coolant....?

 

[spitpilot]

Re: Best antifreeze to use? (lostinnc)

If you flush system several times (drain, fill with water, run till hot, let cool down a bit, drain/refill with water again) you will have eliminated all but a trace of whatever coolant is in there, then you can use anything that is phosphate/silicate free. Do Not mix stuff together, chemistry can get screwed up and cause precipitation problems, same with just adding antifreeze to system if you keep doing that and maybe have a small leak over time you'll raise concentration enuff to also cause potential precipitation problems. Mix antifreeze and distilled water and keep a jug ready for top up with the same stuff you filled the system with originally. I've done this for 20+ years with water cooled VW's using off the shelf long life coolant and had no problems with over 150K miles on original radiator.

 

[de motorwerks]

Re: Best antifreeze to use? (spitpilot)

i had over 300,000 on my last car not mine all thoes miles but i serveced it since it was new ...bought it off a coustomer ...prestone is the best in my book .... most inportant cut it with distilled water and keep usin the same brand after a good flush already said but inportant


[Modified by vw problems, 3:04 PM 11-30-2001]