[billymade]

http://bd8ba3c866c8cbc330ab-7b26c6f...ze_Purple_Pink_Pentosin_Vaico_OAT_HOAT_Hybrid_Silicates_Phosphates_Glycerin.pdf

 

[billymade]

Sometimes they can get tight; you might get some pliers or channellocks with a rag on the jaws, to open the cap.

 

[billymade]

I find when the levels are "near" or above the top mark; to not really be a major issue or problem. The main benefit of the marks for me; is to be able to refer to them and see if the levels have changed, since the last time I checked. Typically when I service may cooling system; the levels, end up a little above the "full" mark and have no negative effects from this.

Now, the fact, that your levels were low and you have a "burning smell", is typically a classic sign of a coolant leak. These VW's have a TON of plastic parts in the cooling system; where in the past, these parts were made out of metal. Because of this; they are failure prone, while the leaks can come from ANYWHERE, the most common leaks are from the cooling flange, that comes off the head and you will typically, see pools of coolant, on top of your transmission. Another good thing about the stock vw spec coolant; is when you have a leak, "Pink Crusties", will show up, where the leak is and it is normally, pretty obvious, to see these, when a leak occurs.

Over the years, I struggled with finding hard to find, pesky leaks and so, I finally, invested in a cooling system pressure test kit. I got mine from Harbor Freight and pressure testing my system; after a number of "cycles", I FINALLY found, a small leak, that had been eluding me for a long time. I recommend, investing in a kit like this; they have adapters for most cars on the road today, including our unique/specific one, for our Volkswagens. These pressure test kits; can ALSO, be a great way; to check for leaks AFTER, you do the cooling system repairs, that way you can CONFIRM and be fully confident, your system is leak free, airtight and you don't have to worry about it, anymore! I love that; I hate wondering, if I have any other leaks or if the system, is going to leak soon, after the repairs have been done. Confirmation of your repairs; is great and will cut down on "do overs", DONE! Move on to the next thing...

Just as an example; a professional VW adapter, can cost more then $50, so this kit is a bargain!

adapter alone; example without the rest of the needed kit!

https://search.yahoo.com/yhs/search...dapter&param1=20180214&p=VW+coolant+pressure+test+adapter&type=pa_appfocus35_cr

Radiator Pressure Tester Kit

Pittsburgh® Automotive - Item#63862 (be sure to use the online 20% off coupon)

https://www.harborfreight.com/radiator-pressure-tester-kit-63862.html

That is just one; of many pressure test kits, that are on the market these days but it has the adapter, is priced ok and will work! There are a lot of other brand to choose from; just make sure, they have the VW specific adapter, included in the kit.

https://search.yahoo.com/yhs/search...-bb8~Chrome~harbor+freight+cooling+system+pressure+tester&type=pa_appfocus35_cr

 

[billymade]

Yeah, the adapter, is similar; to the coolant bottle cap but you can connect the pressure tester, to it. As noted; the harbor freight kit, comes with the vw adapter and you do not, need to buy a extra one. This kit; is "good" but not "professional" grade, for home use, it should be fine (mostly plastic construction). For professional auto techs; Standt, is a classic pressure tester manufacturer and their kits, are made out of metal, the adapters, are made out of machined aluminum or steel, to handle up to the rough abuse, of a shop environment and everyday use. Those cast much more and the adapters are separately available for purchase, you can spend hundred or potentially thousands in buying all the adapters for the many needed, for all the cars on the road today. The Harbor Freight kit; comes will pretty much ALL the adapters; for most cars, including our VW New Beetle and compared to the Standt kit/adapters, is a real bargain.

The coolant flange; isn't too hard but you do need to disassemble things and you might drain some coolant, first, to reduce coolant getting everywhere. As noted, after repair; I would confirm the is leak free and air tight, by pressure testing it again.

This video; is a walk through of the swap:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2Vmn_AwR18

 

[billymade]

Good question; I follow the directions, they have on the bottle or on their downloadable spec sheets. This video; might be helpful and is a overview, of the allot of things about VW spec coolant:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUcTWzBZAdg

For example; for the Pentosin SF (G12+); here is the spec sheet: 50/50 recommended:

http://www.pentosin.net/specsheets/Pentofrost_SF.pdf

Looking online; there seem, to be pages, that go into different coolant/water ratios, depending on your climate. I've always done 50/50; I suppose, you could contact Pentosin tech support or CRP stateside and see what they tell you, what advice, they might have for you? If you contact them and they give you some info; please, share it with us! Thanks!

CRP Industries Inc.
35 Commerce Drive
Cranbury, NJ 08512 USA
Directions

Office: 800.526.4066, 609.578.4100
Fax: 609.655.5300
Email: info@crpindustries.com

 

[billymade]

New_Beetle, thanks for the update from CRP; I've always run 50/50 but I also, live in the crazy high heat climate of the South West and we have relatively mild winters!

 

[billymade]

Since, you have had to top off the coolant levels; I still, recommend you do a cooling system pressure test!