V6 coolant flush

Re: B5 coolant flush - Key things to watch out for

It's not hard to do at all. Just did it on both of our 1.8Ts. Things to watch out for on the 1.8T, at least:
- The lower radiator hose has a spring clip that you have to pull back to get the hose off. When replacing it, make sure the o-ring is fully inside the hose. Otherwise, no amount of grunting or cursing will get it back on. My family can vouch for that.
- There is a drain plug underneath in the frong of the engine near the thermostat. Make sure you drain there. Have the interior heat control all the way up as you do this so you get it all.
- For some reason, I had to drive both cars on the highway to get them to "burp" out all the air. Make sure you carry coolant and water with you as you do this, since the car will heat up fast once it passes that air bubble.
I suggest you use distilled water and official VW G12 coolant. See the parallel debate thread on that in this forum. I'm not sure if my 1.8T experience applies to the V6.
--Dan

Re: V6 coolant flush (icecat)

DO NOT drive a V6 before properly bleeding the system!!!
"burping" is an ancient technique and is dangerous on VW's especially V6's.
The procedure is kinda intricate if you don't know what you are doing, so I suggest bringing it to the dealer.
There is a special tool that is inserted into the coolant reservoir that is similar to a extension.
What you would have to do is take, say, a pcv pipe of the correct diameter about 10" long and fit in the bottle (cap removed)
This will allow the coolant to be poured in greater amounts and it will "burp" itself
Fill the reservoir as much as it will take.
Next, follow the upper radiator hose and where the hose turns to a pipe, locate the 5 or 6 mm (not sure..sorry) allen bolt. You'll see it near the lower right hand side of the coils.
Remove it and you will see alot of air come out followed by coolant.
Re-install the bolt and top off the coolant.
Run the car and be sure you have sufficient heat when the car is at normal operating temp.
You may have to open the bleeder several times to ensure perfection.
I've done it without the special tool, but it takes longer and you have to open the bleeder many more times.
Good luck!



[Modified by b5bel, 7:49 PM 11-29-2001]