1.7d Coolant questions.

Post by **ringo** » 03 Dec 2006, 18:19

Hi,

I've read the wiki and read various threads about coolant types etc, but i'm still a bit unsure - most threads relate to the wasserboxer - but i've got a 1.7 diesel!

Type ? Some threads recommend the G12 type, but is this just for petrol engines ? Obviously i want the cheaper the better - but i can't skimp because im off to the alps in jan and will be facing some very cold weather. So i need to get it right. Im off to GSF on saturday...

How to drain ? Wheres the best place to drain the system ? I want to be able to shove a hose pipe up it to flush the system - but i want to catch all the coolant in a container before that. Is it best to do this at the radiator ? I confess to never even looking at the from of the car and around the radiator because i've never needed to.

Thanks in advance

Ringo

Post by **Ivorblueun** » 03 Dec 2006, 19:14

disconnect the bottom 2 hoses from the behind the water pump this will drain about 90 + % with the heater valve open, if you then flush it thru should push whats sat in the pipes out. An off the shelf ethyl glycol antifreeze /summer coolant with corrosion inhibitor should work fine in the diesel engines.

Post by **Mocki** » 03 Dec 2006, 19:46

what stu said, but i personally would keep the heatervalve closed, it makes things way easier when bleeding up afterwards.

Post by **ringo** » 04 Dec 2006, 07:15

Thanks guys.

I take it by heater valve, that just means the valve that is controlled by the heater slider on the dash ?

Last week i was driving to work and the heating went cold -after i fiddled with the heater slider and it cam back on again. I was kind of assuming that i had air in the system! God knows whats happened, because the coolant level is the same....

Post by **Simon Baxter** » 04 Dec 2006, 23:05

Use normal antifreeze.
drain water by removing thermostat cover.
I would put heater slider over to hot as that will let it drain easier.
Flush out with hose pipe up the rubber hose.
refill with 8 litres of antifreeze then top rest up with water.
don't bother jacking the van up, it's all bollcoks.

Post by **ringo** » 14 Jan 2007, 17:48

Hmmm, i feel a bit thick asking this question - but where is the thermostat for a 1.7d ?

I looked in the obvious places and couldn't find one!

Anyone ?

Thanks

Ringo

Post by **andysimpson** » 14 Jan 2007, 17:55

its on the bottom of water pump, black plastic housing.