Is G12 the only engine coolant of choice for a Passat

[turbonutter]

Dear All,

This is my first query in this forum. I have a 1999 model passat (petrol 1.8 - engine code APT). The temerature gauge sensor was playing up so I decided to replace it and replace my engine coolant at the same time. Previously I have bought a 5L engine coolant (Mobil Antifreeze Advance - pinkinsh red colour) can from Halfords, which has been sitting in my garage for the last couple of years. This engine coolant meets VW specification TL 774 - D/F as is stated in my car owner's manual. I have done some searching for information about what type of engine coolant should be used. It appears that everybody recommend G12 but what about other coolants that meet VW specification?

This weekend I have replaced the engine coolant and the temperature gauge sensor. Everything seems to work OK. Should I have flushed the engine and the radioator before filling the system with new coolant?

Any suggestions and comments would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Turbonutter.

[snapdragon]

I'm sure it will be fine. There are plenty of coolants which meet the VW specs, all of them reddish in colour. I think it says OAT, glycol based with antifreeze properties in my owner's manual. It's all made by BASF or under their patent license anyway.

The VAG specification for G13 antifreeze is TL 774-G

The VAG specification for G12+ antifreeze is TL 774-F

The VAG specification for G12 antifreeze is TL 774-D

The older, blue-green, VW G11 coolant has VAG specification TL 774-C

http://wiki.80-90.co.uk/index.php/Coolant_and_Heating_recommended_brands

[mwvw]

G 12 Plus will mix with G12 and G11, although the last antifreeze I bought was G12 plus plus and this will mix with G12 and G12+.
As Snapdragon said, you should be fine if it meets VW specification TL 774 - D/F

[½cwt]

The main thing is that it is the red/orange OAT type not the blue/green types out there.

[turbonutter]

Thanks for all your comments folks. The coolan is definitely pinkish red. I think mobile says it is G12+ compliant so I think I should be OK without flashing the rad and the engine.

[Izalman]

Little digression - had a cam belt & w/pump change at local Auotocentres recently - I provided the VW G12 antifreeze to use on refilling.
W/pump was leaking immediatly, took it back - the buggers drained and threw away the 1 day old G12and filled it with their crummy blue stuff
ARGH........:zx11::zx11: