Coolant loss? Uh-oh
10-08-2003, 07:21 AM
#1
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Coolant loss? Uh-oh
My low coolant warning has started to flash at me. I appear to be about an inch below the MIN mark.
The water pump was replaced at 55k miles, I'm now at 61k. I'm not sure where the coolant has gone, I don't see any leaks.
What I want to do is top off and watch the coolant level. Now that I think of it, I should check my oil, too, to be sure it's not milky (head gasket leak).
Anyway, the manual and the coolant reservoir clearly mention G12 coolant. What the hell is that? Can I top off with Peak Global (states it's formulated for all European vehicles and any color of coolant). I really DON'T want to have to go to the dealer for coolant! Thoughts??
The water pump was replaced at 55k miles, I'm now at 61k. I'm not sure where the coolant has gone, I don't see any leaks.
What I want to do is top off and watch the coolant level. Now that I think of it, I should check my oil, too, to be sure it's not milky (head gasket leak).
Anyway, the manual and the coolant reservoir clearly mention G12 coolant. What the hell is that? Can I top off with Peak Global (states it's formulated for all European vehicles and any color of coolant). I really DON'T want to have to go to the dealer for coolant! Thoughts??
10-08-2003, 07:50 AM
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It has to be G12; don't use anything else.
I understand it is available elsewhere besides the dealer but I haven't seen it. VW dealers have it at a cheaper price than Audi, which is where I'd go.
10-08-2003, 07:51 AM
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G12 coolant is different from other coolants...it's strongly advised not mix other...
coolants in. Since you can't find the leak it is probably your water pump again or the secondary water pump, which is located by the heater in back of the engine. It probably leaks while you're driving (when the water pumps are working)...
For G12 coolant, email me and i'll give you this guy's email...you can probably get G12 from him for $10 a gallon. It's around $18 at the dealer.
For G12 coolant, email me and i'll give you this guy's email...you can probably get G12 from him for $10 a gallon. It's around $18 at the dealer.
10-08-2003, 07:53 AM
#4
When was that last time you had to top off the coolant?
In all of the new cars I have owned, they do use coolant. I have never seen any milky oil nor any leaks on the motor, but it never fails, the coolant is low after about 15K miles.
Have you smelt any sweet antifreeze smell? Or found any puddles under car?
Sorry not sure about the G12 and Peak Global.
Did you have the WP replaced at the dealer or another shop, I would want to use the same antifreeze used when you did the pump.<ul><li><a href="http://www.peakantifreeze.com/referencechart.html">Chart for Peak</a></li></ul>
Have you smelt any sweet antifreeze smell? Or found any puddles under car?
Sorry not sure about the G12 and Peak Global.
Did you have the WP replaced at the dealer or another shop, I would want to use the same antifreeze used when you did the pump.<ul><li><a href="http://www.peakantifreeze.com/referencechart.html">Chart for Peak</a></li></ul>
10-08-2003, 08:02 AM
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make sure you find out what they put in to top the coolant off...
private shops usually act like they know it all when they really don't. They'll see pink coolant they'll put GM's dex-cool in there and think it's OK. I had that happen...had to drain the entire system.
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10-08-2003, 08:03 AM
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Once before, but...
...that was due to a leaking sensor switch on the radiator of my 100CS. $30 later, fixed with a new switch.
I hope it's a minor leak from the new water pump and nothing more serious.
THANKS ALL FOR YOUR REPLIES!
I hope it's a minor leak from the new water pump and nothing more serious.
THANKS ALL FOR YOUR REPLIES!
10-08-2003, 08:06 AM
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minor leak from water pump...means over $500 if you're lucky...
they have to take apart the entire front part of the engine....lots of labor charges plus around 170-200 for the water pump.