Coolant Question...
10-06-2008, 09:22 PM
#1
Audi Forum - Posts like an A3
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Chattanooga, Tn
Posts: 98
Coolant Question...
When I bought my car about six months ago the dealership that I bought it from had to order a new coolant cap. It was leaking and I was able to smell the sweetness of it. Now that I have the new cap everything is fine. However it is a little lower (about a half inch) than the minimum arrow. I made sure to check it after I drove for a bit due to the pressure showing an accurate reading. When do I need to drain and replenish the coolant? How far down can it go before needing to?
Yo one more thing... anyone know about how long the coolant tank lasts up to before it turns brown and starts cracking? Awesome Thanks a lot!
Yo one more thing... anyone know about how long the coolant tank lasts up to before it turns brown and starts cracking? Awesome Thanks a lot!
10-07-2008, 09:39 AM
#2
Audi Forum - Posts like an A3
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Montreal
Posts: 92
Re: Coolant Question...
You should top up the coolant when you have a chance, there is no urgent need to drain & replace the coolant.
According to Audi the G12 coolant is a "lifetime" coolant, i.e. you never need to change it, but i'd argue that's too optimistic. I just rebuilt my engine and found significant mineral buildup in the coolant passages, which to me indicates the (by now brown) coolant long ago ceased to provide corrosion protection. based on this observation and my driving habits i would change the coolant after 4-5 years tops. before the rebuild there was some deposits in the overflow tank as well- that is a sure sign its time to flush out the engine and replace the coolant.
PS even after all this, the coolant tank itself cleaned up nicely ( pressure washer, some CLR, then pressure washer again) so i didn't need to replace it. also used a coolant system cleaning solution which seems to have worked- cooling efficiency is noticeably improved.
If you change the coolant, i suggest changing the thermostat as an ounce of prevention while you're at it, its cheap and trivially easy but you have to drain the coolant first.
Hope this helps
According to Audi the G12 coolant is a "lifetime" coolant, i.e. you never need to change it, but i'd argue that's too optimistic. I just rebuilt my engine and found significant mineral buildup in the coolant passages, which to me indicates the (by now brown) coolant long ago ceased to provide corrosion protection. based on this observation and my driving habits i would change the coolant after 4-5 years tops. before the rebuild there was some deposits in the overflow tank as well- that is a sure sign its time to flush out the engine and replace the coolant.
PS even after all this, the coolant tank itself cleaned up nicely ( pressure washer, some CLR, then pressure washer again) so i didn't need to replace it. also used a coolant system cleaning solution which seems to have worked- cooling efficiency is noticeably improved.
If you change the coolant, i suggest changing the thermostat as an ounce of prevention while you're at it, its cheap and trivially easy but you have to drain the coolant first.
Hope this helps
10-07-2008, 10:50 AM
#3
Audi Forum - Posts like a TT
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: waterloo
Posts: 696
Re: Coolant Question...
jsut a side not to Frob's post...
when audi puts "lifetime" on anything, they are refering to the 4-5 year period most people lease or finance a car for(80 to 100k) There is a statment somewhere in the book stating that.
either way, coolant is one of thouse things that will last a long *** time...flush it when you want, but it does help with emmisions and fuel economy. so for the $40 do it every 80k.
when audi puts "lifetime" on anything, they are refering to the 4-5 year period most people lease or finance a car for(80 to 100k) There is a statment somewhere in the book stating that.
either way, coolant is one of thouse things that will last a long *** time...flush it when you want, but it does help with emmisions and fuel economy. so for the $40 do it every 80k.
10-26-2008, 09:57 PM
#5
Audi Forum - Posts like an A3
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Chattanooga, Tn
Posts: 98
Re: Coolant Question...
I would say not to use the green stuff. Awesome my bud is a tech at audi and I just got my oil changed and he topped off my coolant for free. That sh it is like 50 bucks a gallon. I didnt know you could just top it up. BALLIN Thanks
10-28-2008, 11:50 AM
#8
Audi Forum - Posts like a Q7
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Central Canada
Posts: 711
Re: Coolant Question...
It is highly recommended to replace G12 coolant when it is no longer the same color as when new. Typically it starts to turn brown meaning definitely replace soon. Never mix G12 with any other kind of coolant as it will become contaminated and require replacing immediately or you may risk damaging the cooling system.
