antifreeze questions

[Ti Kan]

CTDiesel at aol.com writes:
> According to audiquattroparts.com green antifreeze is the wrong stuff for all
> Audis.  Does anyone one know about that? They state either blue or red color
> is the right stuff.  The dealer sells only blue and red in my area (CO) so
> maybe its true.  Currently I have green (phosphate free) in my system (4kq /
> vw syncro) for only a few months now.  Does anyone know the reasons behind
> the neccessary blue or red?

The factory-correct radiator coolant is blue in color prior to around
1998, and pink after that.  The blue stuff is called the G11 coolant
and the pink stuff is G12.  G12 uses organic acid technology for corrosion
control.  The two types must not be mixed.  VW/Audi's G12 coolant is
*not* the same as the GM/Havoline Dexcool red coolant or Chrysler's orange
stuff, even though they are based on similar organic acid technology,
and should not be mixed.

The OEM manufacturer for the VW/Audi G11 "blue" coolant is Pentosin, part
number G 001 100.  The G12 "pink" coolant is also made by Pentosin,
part number G 001 200.  These coolants are completely phosphate free and
are compatible with all the engine parts in VW and Audis.  The VW/Audi
dealers sell these, and you can also find them at many auto parts stores
that specialize in German imports.

You can use either of these coolants in your car, but be sure to triple-flush
away every trace of any other types of coolant you might have had in there.
And again, DO NOT mix the G11 and G12 coolants.

The ubiquitous green coolant (i.e., Prestone, etc) are not completely
phosphate free.  In fact some Japanese engines require high phosphate
coolants as rust inhibitors, and the green stuff is made with that in mind.
You should not use them in your Audi if you don't want the coolant to
react with the aluminum parts in your engine.  This is in spite of statements
on the bottle that might say "safe for all aluminum engine parts", etc.

It's best to use the correct factory-specified fluid and know that you're
not risking any long-term damage.

-Ti
2003 A4 1.8T multitronic
2001 S4 biturbo 6-sp
1984 5000S turbo
1980 4000 2.0 5-sp
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