Volkswagen Workshop Service and Repair Manuals > Golf Mk4 > Engine | 4-cylinder injection engine (1.6 l engine) Mechanics | Engine cooling | Removing and installing parts of cooling system | Draining and filling coolant

Filling

Note

t	Only use coolant additive G 12 in accordance with TL VW 774 F. Identification: purple colour.

t	G 12 and coolant additives marked "In accordance with TL VW 774 F" prevent frost and corrosion damage, scaling and also raise boiling point of coolant. Therefore, the cooling system must be filled all year round with frost and corrosion protection additives.

t	G 12 purple (in accordance with TL VW 774 F) can be mixed with the previous coolant additive G 12 red!

t	Because of its high boiling point, the coolant improves engine reliability under heavy loads, particularly in countries with tropical climates.

t	Frost protection is required down to about -25° C (in countries with arctic climates: down to about -35° C).

t	The coolant concentration must not be reduced by adding water even in warmer seasons and in warmer countries. The frost protection additive must be at least 40% of mixture.

t	If for climatic reasons greater frost protection is required, the amount of G 12 can be increased, but only up to 60% (frost protection to about -40° C). Otherwise frost protection and cooling effectiveness will be reduced.

t	If radiator, heat exchanger, cylinder head or cylinder head gasket is replaced, do not reuse old coolant.

t	The refractometer -T10007- is recommended for determining the current anti-freeze density.

Recommended mixture proportions:

¹⁾	The quantity of coolant can vary depending upon vehicle equipment.

–	Fit and tighten coolant drain plug and secure coolant hose to oil cooler connection.

With cooling system charge unit -VAS 6096-

–	Screw adapter for cooling system tester -V.A.G 1274/8- onto expansion tank.

–	Fill coolant circuit using cooling system charge unit -VAS 6096-. → Operating instructions for cooling system charge unitVAS 6096

Without cooling system charge unit -VAS 6096-

–	Fill with coolant up to max. mark on expansion tank.

With or without cooling system charge unit -VAS 6096-

–	Fit expansion tank cap.

–	Run engine until radiator fan starts.

WARNING

Hot steam may escape when expansion tank is opened. Place rag over cap and open with caution.

–	Check coolant level and top-up if necessary. When the engine is at normal operating temperature, the coolant level must be on the MAX. marking and between the MIN. and MAX. marking when the engine is cold.

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