Coolant?

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Coolant?

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Coolant? - 6/23/2006 1:09:09 AM

bukapolo

Posts: 7
Joined: 6/13/2006
Status: offline

I just bought my golf (mk3) a few weeks ago now and I noticed it's a smidge low on coolant, but of course my manual only tells me to take it to the dealership for "volkswagen" coolant, but I was just wondering what you guys use.

This is the first car that I don't want to trash so I kind of would like to do things right.

Thanks!

Post #: 1

RE: Coolant? - 6/23/2006 10:09:38 PM

bukapolo

Posts: 7
Joined: 6/13/2006
Status: offline

Super!

I looked all last night and it looks as if I should be buying Pentosin G12. Is this the best of the best? I read this is what they come with from the factory, is that so?

(in reply to bukapolo)

Post #: 2

RE: Coolant? - 6/28/2006 5:54:52 PM

pjc

Posts: 1
Joined: 6/28/2006
Status: offline

Use only the specified VW coolant; G-12 if that's what your car takes. (That's what my '98 Cabrio Mk III takes.) It should say in your owners manual or on a sticker somewhere in the engine compartment, probably near the coolant expansion tank. It's not cheap: my local dealer gets $28/gal. Smile and pay the few extra dollars now, rather than hundreds in repairs later.

Remember to mix 50/50 with distilled water only; not tap water. Also remember to fill the tank to halfway between the min and max marks when cold; it should expand to the max mark when hot.

Finally, keep your eye on the black plastic flange at the rear of the engine (the driver's side)--it's the part with a couple of hoses and a couple of electrical connections (sensors). It's a common wear item--develops cracks or leaks where it connects to the engine, and this can be a source of coolant leaks. If it's leaking, you'll see reddish (wet) or whitish (dry) crud around it and dripping down onto the transmission. It's a $7 or $8 part (more at the dealer), and you can do the repair yourself.

(in reply to bukapolo)

Post #: 3

RE: Coolant? - 6/30/2006 10:24:20 AM

bukapolo

Posts: 7
Joined: 6/13/2006
Status: offline

Thanks!

I ordered the stuff a bit ago and it should be here probably today.

I knew about the distilled water and all that, but thanks for the extra info! This girl can always use an extra hand with things like that.

(in reply to pjc)

Post #: 4