Coolant question

Slattsy

Evening lads,

Just noticed this evening that the coolant level on the car is under the minimum limit by about 3 inches (I can see the min/max).

Now I only have the car a wee while. Do i need to get a specific coolant, ie what is in it at the moment (and i may not be able to get this info) or is any coolant sufficient ?

Thank in advance.

Is it below the level when engine is cold?
Any low coolant message in the car?

Regardless the coolant added would need to meet the spec required, the likes of Halfords would have it in stock.

As the coolant system is a closed system it shouldn't be loosing any coolant so it would be something to keep a close eye on, bi weekly checks at least

mathepac

Slattsy wrote: »

... Do i need to get a specific coolant, ie what is in it at the moment (and i may not be able to get this info) or is any coolant sufficient ? ...

If it's a VAG (VW, AUDI, Skoda, Seat, Bugatti, etc) use only their own G12+ coolant

Slattsy

RoverJames wrote: »

Is it below the level when engine is cold?
Any low coolant message in the car?

Regardless the coolant added would need to meet the spec required, the likes of Halfords would have it in stock.

As the coolant system is a closed system it shouldn't be loosing any coolant so it would be something to keep a close eye on, bi weekly checks at least

Cheers for the reply buddy.

Yes, below level when engine is cold.
No coolant messages on car.

Manual says "use only antifreeze additive G12++, an additive meeting the spec TL 774 G" (means nowt to me)

So if i find this spec in Halfords is it ok to mix ??

Slattsy

Slattsy wrote: »

.........

......

So if i find this spec in Halfords is it ok to mix ??

Yep, 3" below minimum is a decent enough bit though, you should really presume there's an issue so check it really really regularly to confirm or otherwise

mathepac

Slattsy wrote: »

... So if i find this spec in Halfords is it ok to mix ??

You probably won't find it in Halfords (VW product) and yes dilute as per instructions depending on the level of freeze-protection you want.

Slattsy

RoverJames wrote: »

Yep, 3" below minimum is a decent enough bit though, you should really presume there's an issue so check it really really regularly to confirm or otherwise

Great stuff, thanks.

Yeah i sure will, only noticed this evening, so hopefully its not a problem, could really do without that.

Slattsy

As a matter of interest, is this stuff any use ?

http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_743657_langId_-1_categoryId_212351#tab1

Slattsy

Slattsy wrote: »

As a matter of interest, is this stuff any use ?..........

Imo it's not to someone who has a car under warranty worth a few quid
It does work though, sometimes.

Slattsy

RoverJames wrote: »

Imo it's not to someone who has a car under warranty worth a few quid
It does work though, sometimes.

Car isnt under warranty !!

Also, if i need to get Audi coolant from a dealer, will i be safe for a few days as might not get to one over Christmas ??

Drummerboy08

Should get G12 in any motor factors.

If you can't get suitable coolant I'd top it up with DI water if you're using it over the holiday.

Slattsy

Will adding water suffice ? This will dilute the anti-freeze ??

This seems like it'll work. Says Audi approved. hard to know what colour it is though, mine is kinda orange atm.

http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_219480_langId_-1_categoryId_229903

Stheno

Slattsy wrote: »

Will adding water suffice ? This will dilute the anti-freeze ??

This seems like it'll work. Says Audi approved. hard to know what colout it is though, mine is kinda orange atm.

http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_219480_langId_-1_categoryId_229903

Code is Audi (TL774D) so ends with D and not G don't know if that makes any difference?

Slattsy

Slattsy wrote: »

Will adding water suffice ? This will dilute the anti-freeze ??.......

In a small quantity as a one off it's fine.

Slattsy

Stheno wrote: »

Code is Audi (TL774D) so ends with D and not G don't know if that makes any difference?

**** you're right, i never noticed.
Good spot.

Will it make a difference ?? Anyone..

mfceiling

How do you top up coolant on a closed system?

I'd like to put some in the van but there doesn't seem to be a plug or bung on the radiator to empty the old stuff out.

Slattsy

Found this :
http://www.micksgarage.com/proddetails.aspx?pid=1209662&pk=C46B4

Will a trip to Sligo and back over Christmas be ok with a drop of water until i can get hold of the above ?

nct tester

g12++ is purple and g12/g12+ is pink, afaik vw recommend not mixing the two. id say its perfectly ok to drive without topping up for a few days but water should be ok if u are worried, as long as the level doesnt keep dropping. top up when its cold also.

nct tester

mfceiling wrote: »

How do you top up coolant on a closed system?

I'd like to put some in the van but there doesn't seem to be a plug or bung on the radiator to empty the old stuff out.

year make model??

mfceiling

nct tester wrote: »

year make model??

2004 nissan kubistar - 1.5 dci 70 bhp

nct tester

mfceiling wrote: »

2004 nissan kubistar - 1.5 dci 70 bhp

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NzY4WDEwMjQ=/$T2eC16ZHJHwE9n8ii1NbBQZrC9C!9g~~48_79.JPG

is there an expansion tank on it like in the picture?? to the right of the battery as you look at it in the picture, it has a pipe running into it just below the cap??

mfceiling

nct tester wrote: »

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NzY4WDEwMjQ=/$T2eC16ZHJHwE9n8ii1NbBQZrC9C!9g~~48_79.JPG

is there an expansion tank on it like in the picture?? to the right of the battery as you look at it in the picture, it has a pipe running into it just below the cap??

Yes, same as picture

nct tester

depends then whether you want to top it up/ replace the whole lot or just replace a litre or so??

gfmatthe

Not too cold at moment so DI water would be ok to top up with. Check level a couple of times over journey especially if a lot of miles involved. Buy your G12++ from Skoda as they are cheaper than Audi or VW. If levels keep dropping you need a pressure test of cooling system. Keep a bottle in boot incase you need it. If temp goes above 90 degrees switch heater on full blast as this will help bring temp down, never drive if temp approaches the red part of gauge as head gasket will not last too long.

Do not buy Auto factor G12 with VAG cars you need the correct stuff as the internals of coolant system rot have seen this on lots of occasions.

Check for any signs of leaks from cooling system and also check oil is not diluted with coolant. Any steam white smoke from exhaust?

Gary.

mfceiling

nct tester wrote: »

depends then whether you want to top it up/ replace the whole lot or just replace a litre or so??

Replace it all would be great

Slattsy

gfmatthe wrote: »

Not too cold at moment so DI water would be ok to top up with. Check level a couple of times over journey especially if a lot of miles involved. Buy your G12++ from Skoda as they are cheaper than Audi or VW. If levels keep dropping you need a pressure test of cooling system. Keep a bottle in boot incase you need it. If temp goes above 90 degrees switch heater on full blast as this will help bring temp down, never drive if temp approaches the red part of gauge as head gasket will not last too long.

Do not buy Auto factor G12 with VAG cars you need the correct stuff as the internals of coolant system rot have seen this on lots of occasions.

Check for any signs of leaks from cooling system and also check oil is not diluted with coolant. Any steam white smoke from exhaust?

Gary.

Thanks Gary.
Will certainly look into getting it from Skoda. There's a place not too far from me actually.

Temp etc is fine, no issues whatsoever. I just popped the bonnet and that's when I noticed it.
No smoke or steam.
Hopefully it's nothing major.

nct tester

to be honest you're better off leaving it to a mechanic if thats the case, you could run into problems with air locks, especially over xmas when it could be hard to get a mechanic if you did run into problems. im 99% sure those cooling systems are self bleeding but i'd prefer to be 100%. The good news is that there's no frost forecast

gfmatthe

Skoda no worries to bleed, drain from valve bottom of rad. Fill water bottle, start car, thermostat will open (keep heater on full blast) and top up to full level. drive car and re-check level. Nothing to be afraid of.
Peugeot, Citroen would be a different story, two to three bleed points and best to use a pressure bottle to fill reservoir.

Gary.

Ronnie Beck

Slattsy wrote: »

Thanks Gary.
Will certainly look into getting it from Skoda. There's a place not too far from me actually.

Temp etc is fine, no issues whatsoever. I just popped the bonnet and that's when I noticed it.
No smoke or steam.
Hopefully it's nothing major.

It's G13 now AFAIK. I think they have done away with g12 in the main dealers at least. 1.5 litres of g13 will cost you about 12 euro. Mix it 50/50 with water in a seprate container and stick it in. It's fully compatible with g12. I'd say you have leak unfortunately.

Slattsy

Ronnie Beck wrote: »

It's G13 now AFAIK. I think they have done away with g12 in the main dealers at least. 1.5 litres of g13 will cost you about 12 euro. Mix it 50/50 with water in a seprate container and stick it in. It's fully compatible with g12. I'd say you have leak unfortunately.

Is it a big job to get it sorted ?

Ronnie Beck

Slattsy wrote: »

Is it a big job to get it sorted ?

Could be anything from a 2 euro o-ring on a temperature sensor to the water pump or the head gasket. You could have a look with a torch for a puddle in the undertray if your into that kinda thing. Top it up first and see if it's dropping anyway. Off to the mechanic ASAP if it is.

Slattsy

There's very little moisture on the driveway, so it doesnt seem to be a huge leak.

I'll arrange to get it looked at as soon as t he holidays are over.
Will top it up with water until then.

One last question, should i top it up with water to the max mark ?? Or just to the minimum, i'd be afraid of diluting the af too much (even though weather forecast seems ok)

Ronnie Beck

Slattsy wrote: »

There's very little moisture on the driveway, so it doesnt seem to be a huge leak.

I'll arrange to get it looked at as soon as t he holidays are over.
Will top it up with water until then.

One last question, should i top it up with water to the max mark ?? Or just to the minimum, i'd be afraid of diluting the af too much (even though weather forecast seems ok)

half way between min and max.