Problematic Car

Hemesh said:
I got a 63 plate 2.0 tdi 184.. I'll check mine tomorrow too!
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All it does is increase lifespan of coolant, if you remove it you will need more frequent coolant changes.

that does work out a whole chunk cheaper than a new heater matrix though. I would rather change the coolant more often than run the risk of it bursting.
 
Its done 119k right now with no problems, but it could be a ticking time bomb
New heater matrix would be so expensive, especially when you probably have to rip out the dash.
 
CanadaA3wales said:
Its done 119k right now with no problems, but it could be a ticking time bomb
New heater matrix would be so expensive, especially when you probably have to rip out the dash.
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Would be a 4 figure job. So worth binning the silicone bag right off
 
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Given that cam belts need to be replaced at least 5-yearly intervals, at which point people generally renew the water pump as well (which results in a large part of the coolant being replaced), it seems a rather unnecessary move to have this foreign object in the expansion bottle. Many manufacturers use "lifetime" pink coolant and don't do this.

I agree you seem to have been unlucky - your car sounds a great 2nd hand car on paper
 
I've checked mine and I have the tag on the tank, but I can't see the bag from looking in the opening.
 
Retroman said:
Given that cam belts need to be replaced at least 5-yearly intervals, at which point people generally renew the water pump as well (which results in a large part of the coolant being replaced), it seems a rather unnecessary move to have this foreign object in the expansion bottle. Many manufacturers use "lifetime" pink coolant and don't do this.

I agree you seem to have been unlucky - your car sounds a great 2nd hand car on paper
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'need' is subjective, as it's not actually true. Audi UK marketing design to ensure profits are lifted through these cambelt procedures, when the manufacturer states different.

Interesting read..(the angry Cornish poster never did come back...)

https://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/timing-belt-replacement-how-often.420150/#post-3610253
 
Hemesh said:
I've checked mine and I have the tag on the tank, but I can't see the bag from looking in the opening.
Click to expand...

There is a video that shows how to remove it on the 1st page, I have not watched it yet though.
Its pouring it out so not going to check today
 
Hi have been following this thread and many vag forums re, silica tea bag. so today checked my header tank stamped
Mit Silicat A3 2.0 tdi dsg 2014 55.000 miles and had the bag inside, so i have removed it to eliminate any future problems and will change my g13 coolant as part of a service schedule. i found if you replace tank with revised version VAG P.NO 5Q0121407M
it has no bag and not stamped Mit Silicat Bag2 Silikat bag
 
CanadaA3wales said:
You have to replace the whole tank?
I thought you would be able to just take the bag out?
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Hi mate i just took the bag out and topped up coolant
some tanks are twin walled and cant get the bag out i was just showing a reference that the latest version has no bag
 
Ah I see, so I may have to replace it anyway.
I have not had a chance to look at mine, but chances are that I have it as my car is exactly the same just its a manual.

Can you just rip out the old tank and replace it and top it up? You dont have to clamp anything off or drain the system first?

What coolant are you using, ive never replaced it before as it was always done with my service.

Thanks @sprocket57
 
I just drained and removed tank as i wanted to make sure if it did split while i was taken it out it would not get into the system
you lose about half a litre of coolant your tank should be stamped G12 or G13 which is vag coolant
 
Thanks dude
Going to give my car a winter wash and ceramic protection so will go through it tomorrow.
If I cant get it out with ease I will buy another tank and wait for that to arrive.
 
To confirm my tank was also changed to the newer type without silica bag
 
OK I have it in mine as well, but its stuck in some sort of holder on the side and I cannot just lift it out without the possibility of breaking the bag.
I have noticed some clips on the side, but it wont unclip, does the bottle break in half or is it a sealed unit? It looks like it breaks in half

Also how do I know which coolant I have as I have heard some are not compatable therfore cannot mix, its a very neon pink, almost like pepto bismol.
 
CanadaA3wales said:
OK I have it in mine as well, but its stuck in some sort of holder on the side and I cannot just lift it out without the possibility of breaking the bag.
I have noticed some clips on the side, but it wont unclip, does the bottle break in half or is it a sealed unit? It looks like it breaks in half

Also how do I know which coolant I have as I have heard some are not compatable therfore cannot mix, its a very neon pink, almost like pepto bismol.
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They don’t split in half

to remove the bag you will need a new expansion tank. I think they are on G13++ it would be backwards compatible with G13. Just put the latest stuff in and you will be fine
 
Thanks @Bigjase88
I was hoping I could open it in half and take out the gel pack and refill the tank.

Ah well, another purchase I didnt need LOL

I did not get my car done at Audi so even if I have G12 it will still be ok with G13?

Do I need to clamp the bottom hose to stop liquid going everywhere, or does it not matter if it goes on the engine?

Thanks for your help, never replaced a coolant tank before
 
CanadaA3wales said:
Thanks @Bigjase88
I was hoping I could open it in half and take out the gel pack and refill the tank.

Ah well, another purchase I didnt need LOL

I did not get my car done at Audi so even if I have G12 it will still be ok with G13?

Do I need to clamp the bottom hose to stop liquid going everywhere, or does it not matter if it goes on the engine?

Thanks for your help, never replaced a coolant tank before
Click to expand...

nah no clamps need installed. You will obviously lose the coolant in the reservoir. This is about 1/2 litre.

yeah G13 is fine with G12 or just top up with water as you won’t lose much
 
I have been looking on a VW forum and they are just taking the tank off and forcibly removing the bag when the tank is off. They are then putting the tank back and putting more coolant in it.

Do I really need to buy a new tank at £30.00 + costs of G13 coolant?
 
CanadaA3wales said:
I have been looking on a VW forum and they are just taking the tank off and forcibly removing the bag when the tank is off. They are then putting the tank back and putting more coolant in it.

Do I really need to buy a new tank at £30.00 + costs of G13 coolant?
Click to expand...
Well i guess not

my tank got changed cause my bag split and the tank was stained a nasty brown colour. Hence change required
 
Ah I see
I will just rip it out when I get some G13 and take the bag out and put it back.

Will give me a chance to give it a good clean as well.
 
Yeah sorry I know
But wanted to make sure the link I gave is the stuff I need?

Some stuff on amazon want £40.00 which is a joke, but this is a tenner and says VAG OEM
 
Back in today for coolant flush as passenger side warm and drivers side cold.

phonecall to keep courtesy car overnight as “still not as hot as they would like”

wonder how many parts they are going to throw at it tomorrow.

thats 6 times to the dealer since purchasing the car in Late July
 
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