Coolant

[tom20682]

Just had the timing belt, water pump, coolant reservoir , strut mounts and front brakes done on my daughters 1998 NB with 103K. I noticed that the coolant doesn't have the pink coolant in it. I guess the G12 coolant was not used. My daughter needs to return to college tomorrow. What can I expect if teh G12 coolant is not used??? My indepenednt mechanic that services my Volvo did the repairs.

[pencilneck]

Short term, no major issues... long term, a dead engine.

Starting in mid 97 VW/Audi went to the "G12" coolant which is most of the time pink in color (there is a purple version that I've seen a few times that has come from the factory). Any coolant you get over the counter from the part dept will always be pink in color.

If you mix a G11 and a G12, they it will turn the coolant into a solid that clogs up the system so that coolant can not flow, thus over heat the engine and warp the head. I've seen this more than once.

You need to have the coolant system flushed (not drained, FLUSHED) and then the correct G12 coolant put into the system.

I've had the pleasure of doing just such a task many times where where Jiffy Boob and such have put in the wrong coolant.

Later.

Pencilneck blah blah blah

[tom20682]

Thanks for the reply. My daughter has about 250 miles back to college then she returns in 2 weeks. I can have the coolant flushed then. The coolant my mechanic put in is not the normal limegreen color, but slightly purplish. I will ask him today what it is and whether it meets the specs of G12. His shop works on Volvos, BMW and Mercedes.

BTW what is G11 coolant?

Thanks

[hannaco]

G11 is the old style "green" coolant like you would pick up at AutoZone.

[btb]

G11(green) + G12(pink)= NO
G12(pink) + G12+(purple)=OK
Moreover,G11, G12 and G12+ cannot be mixed with anything but distilled water.

[mezonesxbox]

Just use water.... unless if you really need the atifreeze. I live in CA so i really never use antifreeze...

[btb]

Originally Posted by mezonesxbox

Just use water.... unless if you really need the atifreeze. I live in CA so i really never use antifreeze...

A quote from Bentley:
"Coolant additive G12 prevents freeze and corrosion damage, lime deposits and also raises the boiling temperature. The cooling system must contain G12 coolant additive the entire year regardless of the climate."
Mixing ratio of G12 with distilled water 1:1 is recommended.

[ilpotosino]

always use the G12 coolant