RE: Antifreeze

["Dan Sinclair" <sinclair@prospro.com>]

I checked out the tech.vw link and the only Antifreeze/Coolant TSB I found
was the following:

http://tech.vw.com/audipdf/19-96-01.pdf

It essentially states that in 1996, Audi switched to lifetime antifreeze for
all Audi models and it can be identified by a red color.  Also cautions
against mixing this antifreeze with any other type.

I'm getting ready to flush the cooling system in my '88 and replace the
thermostat and antifreeze, but once again, you guys have got me thinking...

I have a gallon of the older VW/Audi branded "phosphate free" antifreeze
(blue color) and I had intended to refill my system with it, then top it off
with plain 'ole Prestone green antifreeze/coolant.  I'm quite certain that
these can be mixed without any problem, but a recent post suggested
"PHOSPHATE FREE" antifreeze was something exceptional.  The plain Prestone
green stuff makes no mention of phosphates, but states on the label that it
is "compatible with all modern aluminum cooling systems".  Does the Prestone
green stuff in fact contain phosphates?  If so, and phosphates are dangerous
to aluminum cooling systems, how does Prestone get away with advertising
"aluminum compatible" on their product?  I can certainly buy more VW/Audi
antifreeze, but it will require a 100 mile drive on a weekday to my "local"
dealership, and if it's not necessary, I'd obviously rather not.

-Dan

Dan Sinclair
1988 Audi 90, 71K mi.
Walla Walla, WA
Pics&details: http://131.107.68.28/a4.org/registry/details.asp?car=761

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-quattro@audifans.com [mailto:owner-quattro@audifans.com]On
Behalf Of Iain Atkinson (ETL)
Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 1999 11:13 PM
To: 'Bernard Littau'
Cc: 'quattro@audifans.com'
Subject: RE: Pentosin, and Antifreeze - Where to buy?


Bernard

Have a look at this http://tech.vw.com/ this is the Audi and VW technical
service stuff, I read recently some very precise info on Audi's anti freeze
for this engine,

Iain

		-----Original Message-----
		From:	Bernard Littau
[mailto:bernardl@acumenassociates.com]
		Sent:	22 June 1999 19:41
		To:	BustnJustn@aol.com; v8q@u.washington.edu;
quattro@audifans.com
		Subject:	Re: Pentosin, and Antifreeze - Where to buy?

		Justin writes:
		>Are there places, other than the dealer that sell Pentosin?
What should I
		>expect to pay for this liquid gold?
		>Also it appears that I can use some antifreeze, and I know
that it requires
		a
		>special type, is this only available through the dealer?
Again, any
		>information would be appreciated.


		I just bought pentosin from
http://www.thepartsconnection.com/
		They had it on special last week.  I forget the exact price,
but it was

		can't say much about them other than they exist, but they
were very helpful
		and kind on the phone and via email.  If you are polite, and
mention the
		Quattro List, they may give you the special price even
though it is no
		longer on special. YMMV.

		I bought my Prestone Extended Life antifreeze at the local
large chain car
		stuff store, either Al's or Shuck's up in these parts.  The
aluminum head
		engines need a special antifreeze, generally called
phosphate free in the
		manuals.  The one I bought is orange, is silicon and
phosphate free, and
		costs about double what the normal antifreeze costs.  Until
I hear otherwise
		that this is a bad idea, this is the antifreeze I use in the
Audi.

		Best,

		Bernard Littau
		Woodinville, WA
		'88 5kcstq