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Coolant flush required?

c555a

New member
Location
Telford
Car(s)
Vw Golf mk7 1.6 tdi
Hi guys, thanks for the add

Just bought my first mk7, it's a 1.6tdi bluemotion (not the quickest I know but just after a good commuter atm..)

The previous owner had done some (ahem) 'off-roading' and I've had to replace/repair most of the front end to get it back roadworthy.

I have replaced the rad pack with new (aftermarket) but does anyone know if I'll need to flush the system before use as I'd heard that when intercoolers fail (this one was ripped off) they can contaminate the cooling system with oil??

I've yet to fully reassemble the coolant system yet, just thought I'd ask first...

Also, the expansion tank looks grey to me...will that be oil in the coolant? Or are some of the tanks a grey shade from new? (Some look grey on Google images, some don't?!). The 1/2 gallon of old coolant that came out of the old radiator looked clean (just light pink). I guess it's just the greyness of the expansion tank that has me concerned..

TIA and apologies for essay!
 

IWMTom

Autocross Newbie
Hi guys, thanks for the add

Just bought my first mk7, it's a 1.6tdi bluemotion (not the quickest I know but just after a good commuter atm..)

The previous owner had done some (ahem) 'off-roading' and I've had to replace/repair most of the front end to get it back roadworthy.

I have replaced the rad pack with new (aftermarket) but does anyone know if I'll need to flush the system before use as I'd heard that when intercoolers fail (this one was ripped off) they can contaminate the cooling system with oil??

I've yet to fully reassemble the coolant system yet, just thought I'd ask first...

Also, the expansion tank looks grey to me...will that be oil in the coolant? Or are some of the tanks a grey shade from new? (Some look grey on Google images, some don't?!). The 1/2 gallon of old coolant that came out of the old radiator looked clean (just light pink). I guess it's just the greyness of the expansion tank that has me concerned..

TIA and apologies for essay!
Probably full of casting sands. Do you have the diagnostic equipment and vacuum bleeding equipment to flush correctly? If not, don't bother.
 

c555a

New member
Location
Telford
Car(s)
Vw Golf mk7 1.6 tdi
Okay, thanks for the reply. I haven't got any of the vacuum kit unfortunately. Sounds like I'll just have to fill the system best as I can and then head to the my local indy if it looks dodgy in the expansion tank?
 

IWMTom

Autocross Newbie
Okay, thanks for the reply. I haven't got any of the vacuum kit unfortunately. Sounds like I'll just have to fill the system best as I can and then head to the my local indy if it looks dodgy in the expansion tank?
Only proper VAG dealerships and VAG specialists will have the correct equipment. Most indies will just half arse it, not realising how complex the cooling circuit actually is.

The workshop manual has the detailed procedure and it's very complicated.
 

c555a

New member
Location
Telford
Car(s)
Vw Golf mk7 1.6 tdi
Okay, thanks for the heads up - much appreciated.

I live in Telford, so looks like the Telford VW Centre is my local independant specialist - I'll take it there for a flush and refill.

Many thanks
 
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