coolant advice

[faceache]

...so i successfully changed my oil and oil filter for the 1st time...

i looked at the coolant level and as you look at it level (from behind the reg plate flap) it's just about on minimum, but its below the other min tab that sticks out of the coolant thingywhatsit.

i don't know what type of coolant is in there. looks like a kinda yellowish colour. maybe a bit of green.

I wanna do a whole bleed and refill of the coolant system soon, but im not gonna have time before i go away in two days...

so....

shall i leave as is, or should i top it up do you reckon? and if im topping it up what do i grab off the shelf in halfords?

thanks!

[VWCamperfan]

Top up... With water!

[faceache]

yesh... guess it aint gonna make no odds really is it.

once again the answewr to my stupid questions is the bleeding obvious....

[Red Westie]

Looks like you have the modern stuff in there (yesllow/orange as apposed to green/blue) so is longer life.
I agree...just top up with water for now, bearing in mind the system takes something like 17litres so using half a litre to 'TOP UP' isn't going to make much odds to the coolants strength.
Also...you should know that thes water cooled petrol engines have TWO coolant bottles...the one you are looking at behind the number plate is the 'overflow' tank to allow for natural expansion/contraction of the coolant as it heats/cools. The 'real' tank is to the left, inside the engine bay and this one should be full at all times where as the overflow one just to the max below the cap.
Martin

[Peepshow Paddy]

<clutching at straws>

Interesting... So if your cooling system has been losing coolant, it'll take a fair few 'fills' to get it up to 17 litres then? Maybe that's why mine keeps drinking water like a fish...

</clutching at straws>

Or more likely, it really is just knackered. 8-/

[ghost123uk]

<clutching at straws>

Interesting... So if your cooling system has been losing coolant, it'll take a fair few 'fills' to get it up to 17 litres then? Maybe that's why mine keeps drinking water like a fish...

</clutching at straws>

Or more likely, it really is just knackered. 8-/

Take care friend...

If it needs much topping up you risk getting an air lock and that is very bad for these (flat 4) engines.

Bleeding the system is not the usual yadda yadda, read the entry in our wiki on how to do it.

You need to find out where the water is going sooner than later.

.

[Peepshow Paddy]

Thanks for this - an incompetent mechanic got his hands on it and I fear it's too late for the engine to be honest. But you never know I guess, I'm desperate at the moment!

[faceache]

cheers red westie!