Advice needed re coolant system by complete novice

[CalypsoGreenAtlantic]

I've had a 1991 Westfalia Atlantic 1.6TD inspected. The man who carried out that inspection raised a red flag and I'd appreciate some clarification/guidance from people who know about these matters so, here is the evidence gleaned by him ...

He had to drain down alittle water from the upper part of the engine to do head gasket test. He noticed brown sandy particles in it, probably a radiator sealant?

He noticed a dried white crystallisation under the radiator but no sign of any current leak before or after test drive.

The water pump was replaced a couple of months ago.

The water in the upper part of the engine was blue in colour and protected to -15 degrees whereas the water in the expansion tank was clear and protected to -20 degrees.

So, does this sound like this T25 has a problem? Why would the colour of the water indifferent parts differ?

When the water pump was replaced would the garage have had to drain down the coolant system? I am concerned that they didn't use the correct coolant if that was necessary.
I gather from snippets of posts I've read on here that coolants must not be mixed or sludge forms and corrosion of the long bolts (wherever they are, lol) occurs if incorrect coolant isn't used and that new G12++ coolants are a no-no. I have asked the current owner but he is pleading ignorance

So, should I be concerned, particularly as I have no mechanical experience and would have to pay somebody to sort any overheating problem out, ie I'm wondering now if I should buy it or if it sounds like it's got a problem.

What particular make/type of coolant do I need to buy to use in it if I do go ahead and buy the California?

Looking forward to enlightenment

Melissa

[Oldiebut goodie]

I think that you will find that the concern over the type of coolant is more pertinent to the petrol watercooled engines.
The white crystals seen at the bottom of the radiator could well be road salt - at this time of year the salty water from the road could be concentrated by the heat from the radiator forming the crystals. I have noticed it on other vehicles where it is easier to see the radiator when you do your checks. The difference in coolant colour could well be that the garage has used an universal antifreeze that can be added to any type of antifreeze.

Doubtlessly others will chip in with their thoughts.

[ghost123uk]

Agree with OBG ^^^ re white crytals

The water in the upper part of the engine was blue in colour and protected to -15 degrees whereas the water in the expansion tank was clear and protected to -20 degrees.

So, does this sound like this T25 has a problem?

Why would the colour of the water indifferent parts differ?

That is all wrong. If he said the "clear" water was protected down to -20 Degrees he is talking rubbish. No Antifreeze is clear. Also there obviously cannot be 2 different colours in one coolant system !!

I have never heard of having to drain water out to do a head gasket test, usually just a chemical sniffer held in the expansion tank, (ok you might lose a tea cup full, but that is no concern, as long as topped up again of course).

You mention an overheating problem, does it have one ?
I take it the tester did not find a head gasket problem ? (hoping you can trust his abilities, I wonder what would happen re him if you bought it and found it DID have a head gasket problem )

By the way, nowt wrong with G12++ but it should never be mixed with any blue or green stuff. Apparently it should not be mixed with other red antifreeze either according to HERE = "G12++ Vw antifreeze should not be mixed with earlier G12 pink" (I never knew that !)

If in doubt a full flush and replace with the correct stuff is the only safe bet.

More on this in our wiki = https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/Co ... ded_brands

Keep talking to us

[Oldiebut goodie]

Ordinary antifreeze is good enough for diseasals.

[ghost123uk]

Ordinary antifreeze is good enough for diseasals.

(loving the "diseasals" )

Just re-read the OP and have forgotten to mention the "sandy particles" - Yes that may be a cause for concern but one would need to see them really to determine if it was a type of "rad weld" type product. Sorry, that's not much help is it.

[CalypsoGreenAtlantic]

Phew. Thank you all. At least I won't worry about the coolant. I will stick with the blue stuff

At work. Typing on a mobile. Can't post photos of sandy residue left in the inspector's beaker as would take too long to work out how to do it or sign up to a hosting site but will find time after work. In the meantime I can email photos if you want to have a look and see what you think it is.

[Oldiebut goodie]

Here you can see some normal rustiness that you get inside a block (bottom, middle) - I am wondering what he did when and why he drained the coolant down. He could have just picked up some of this rust. It would be helpful if we knew exactly where he drew his sample from.

[CalypsoGreenAtlantic]

He said that he took it from the upper part of the system, not the expansion tank. It definitely looks like grains of a sandy material.

Forgive me being vague. Haven't seen a T25s engine area in person yet. Know my Mini's like the back of my hand, lol.

This is what the owner messaged me today on the subject:

"The water system of the van has had no radweld in my ownership (2 years). The garage that looks after the van confirms that they have filled up the van, when the new engine was fitted and again when the water pump was done with unipart bluecol antifreeze mix. I was asked to check the levels this week after the bubbles had come out of the system and topped it up with universal ready mixed antifreeze in the expansion tank, which is colourless. The van had started to leak water from the rear and on examination the "taletell" hole in the pump was dripping indicating the failure of the internal seal. Since the pump was fitted the van is again watertight, something that Malcom tested. I don't believe that the van has been completely drained at any point in the last two years.
 
I can only assume that somebody tried to stop the old clapped engine leaking before I got It ?? 
 
The engine runs beautifully just below the half way mark on the gauge and doesn't overheat, even on a hot day in traffic. The heater for the front and rear seats is very efficient."

[ghost123uk]

From that above and what you said in the pm re the inspector it all sounds OK actually (but don't shout at me if it ain't ) If you wish I can put the pictures of this residue onto this thread ?

Anyway, I think I understand that you have not actually bought this van yet ? If you have not, them worth remembering that outer body condition is LOADS more important than engine problems, especially on a Diesel as they are easier to sort or replace than the flat 4 petrol engines. Also the interior condition is important too as that can be more hassle to sort than a Diesel engine (or radiator etc).

[CalypsoGreenAtlantic]

Yes please do post them in here for me.

Body and interior are apparently spot on, inspector says. Underneath very, very clean too. It's on eBay. Search VW Westfalia 1.6 turbo diesel high top. It's red. See what he says re: recon engine and replaced parts ... Different seats but both Cakifornia material. Strange!!

[ghost123uk]

HERE (let the dogs of war loose )

[ghost123uk]

Pics of "stuff" in water system of "CalypsoGreenAtlantic" (Melissa's) coolant =





Not sure what to make of it myself, it looks like sand

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If you do get than van, you will have to change your user name

.

[CalypsoGreenAtlantic]

It does! Bizarre.

Yes, will change name if I can find how to. Looked lady night. Couldn't see button to press to change it. E D I T profile doesn't allow me to change it there??!

[ghost123uk]

It does! Bizarre.

Someone will be along soon with a better answer than mine

Yes, will change name if I can find how to. Looked lady night. Couldn't see button to press to change it. E D I T profile doesn't allow me to change it there??!

I don't think you can change your user name, pretty sure anyway.

Looked lady night

Translation ? (bet that was a spell check / predictive thing)

[lloydy]

I've seen that in various engines, normally in the bottom of the header tank. It wouldn't put me off the van, but could be used as a haggling point