Coolant flush?

[johnnyb]

Here's a question. Is refilling the coolant done by pouring it into the spherical recovery tank? Or is this done my adding it directly to the radiator itself. I ask because I cant seem to locate the radiator cap, and because the recovery tank cap seems beefier and more purposeful than in other cars. Sorry if this is a dumb question. I just don't want to remove the plastic shroud on top of the radiator looking for the radiator cap if there really isn't one. Thanks for any help

P.S. The car is a 1998 Beetle w/2.0L engine

[Smileybug]

You add into the coolant reservoir. Should just be a blue cap on that round reservoir on the passenger side of the car.

[johnnyb]

Thanks for the fast reply! I'm glad to know the coolant will be able to get down into the radiator from the recovery tank

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Just be sure you are using G12 coolant. Ideally you want a 50/50 mix in the system. And just FYI, there is no radiator cap. If you want to learn a little more about the coolant system, or for anyone who came here looking for the proper way to drain and fill the system, go here -
Beetle overheating

M.

[Delta Mike]

Just fyi. I could not find it in my OEM manual. Had to go to the mountain and ask the local VW dealer service dept. Ha he didn't know either. Their method is flush and fill with one gallon. Pushed it and he finally found it, 9.5L/10 qt. Which for my model makes a flush + 1 gallon 60/40. Manual says 50/50 or 60/40 coolant/H20.

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Originally Posted by Delta Mike

Just fyi. I could not find it in my OEM manual. Had to go to the mountain and ask the local VW dealer service dept. Ha he didn't know either. Their method is flush and fill with one gallon. Pushed it and he finally found it, 9.5L/10 qt. Which for my model makes a flush + 1 gallon 60/40. Manual says 50/50 or 60/40 coolant/H20.

If my math is correct, your statement 60/40 (coolant/water), is incorrect for 4 qts coolant / 6 qts water.

M.

[simonsi]

Originally Posted by kwalla73

Anyone have an issue with the coolant drain valve leaking even after fully closed after a coolant flush and refill? I did. I have a '99 Beetle w/ a 2.0 engine.

Never have bit it is quite possible to get some debris under the washer seal and it would leak. Try back-flushing, connect a 1/2in garden hose to the drain with the system drained, the coolant tank open and the drain tap open then use some mains water pressure to try and dislodge any debris, disconnect hose and allow it to drain then see if she seals up.

Also check the drain tap is fully closed.

[mykul2.0]

Hey all, What is the benefit of the G12 coolant over the regular green stuff? And is the green stuff bad for Beetles?

Thnx!

[gorj]

mykul2.0,
a good post / debate on the issue is here:--> G12 Coolant vs the Green STuff ??

[mlt]

How to drain coolant from cylinder block without making a huge mess? Bentley says to disconnect lower hose at oil cooler to drain cylinder block after coolant draining from the valve nearby radiator is done.
It is really tight in there even after removing SAI pump I drained only 2.75L so far from under the radiator.

[Paul_B]

What if you don't know what coolant is currently in your car?

I just bought a 2001 NB and the used car dealer put in a new water pump and timing belt. I doubt he took the time and cost to get the VW G11 or G12 coolant. I thought about asking him what coolant he used but I wouldn't fully believe him anyway so I dodn't bother to ask.

Is there any test to see what you have?

[Smileybug]

What color is the fluid in the reservoir? I'd also ask.

[VDubYah]

Vw coolent should be pink G12 or Purple G12+ if its orange or green its the wrong stuff.

[mlt]

Originally Posted by VDubYah

Vw coolent should be pink G12 or Purple G12+ if its orange or green its the wrong stuff.

I just want to confirm I read somewhere that it is okay to mix G12 and G12+. Is it? The problem is that I failed to drain coolant completely but the one that came with a kit is G12+ purple while I have probably G12 as it is reddish.

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Originally Posted by mlt

I just want to confirm I read somewhere that it is okay to mix G12 and G12+. Is it? The problem is that I failed to drain coolant completely but the one that came with a kit is G12+ purple while I have probably G12 as it is reddish.

I wasn't aware of a G12+ (maybe the pre-mix? or a hybrid G12) but I had read of a G13 (purple) in the Bentley, and it indicated they could be mixed (the G12 and the G13).

M.