Vw substitute for G-12

[duaneb9729]

I recently installed a new timing belt in my 97 Jetta GLS. In the process I replaced the water pump and the thermostat and the lower radiator hose.

This lasted almost two whole weeks before my gal came home with a big coolant leak, I am going to tear into it this afternoon.

My question is, what other antifreeze can be used in this car? I looked on the Prestone and the Peak web sites, It looks like dex cool will work from Prestone and possibly Peak global.

I would buy the G-12 online but I need the car on Monday

 

[Wilhelm_D]

You should be able to get by with DexCool. It's fairly close to G-12.

In Europe VW is now using Glysantin G 30:

http://www.veredlungschemikalien.basf.de/ev-wcms-in/internet/en_GB/function/conversions:/publish/content/EV/EV3/glysantin/doc/Glysantin_Werkstatt_PKW.pdf

which is a reddish/violet OAT and of a later formulation than G-12.

In general the OATS are interchangeable, although they differ slightly in some specifics.

 

[duaneb9729]

Thank you Wilhelm!

That takes a load off my mind!

 

[Billy_D]

Is DexCool nitrite, and amine free? DexCool is phosphate free, but I am not sure about the nitrite and the amine.

 

[mechanicx]

Yeah Dexcool is nitrite and amine free. The HD ELC versions may have nitrites though. Also like you said it's phosphate free, and also silicate borate and I think nitrate free.

 

[duaneb9729]

Thank you very much guys!

 

[EricF]

I know a guy who runs an all VW repair shop. He uses Dexcool in place of G12 for everything, and he says he's never had a coolant related issue in 15 years. Well OK then.

 

[duaneb9729]

Thank you Eric! I installed the dex cool in it after fixing my blunder and every thing is good so far, as in no head gasket loss!

 

[JustinC25]

G12, and Toyota Pink list the same ingredients:
Etheylene Glycol, Dietheylene Glycol, and Sebatic Acid.

That doesn't say anything for the additives though.

 

[wavinwayne]

I recently topped up my '00 GTI with Prestone "All-makes, all models" or whatever it's called. Everything seems fine.

 

[hddm3]

x2

 

[dsmith41]

With the controversy that seems to go with Dex-Cool about it destroying seals and water pumps, I won't even run it in my girlfriend's Chevy. If G-12 is basically the same as Dex-Cool, why do we not see the same issues in VW cars as we tend to see in GM cars with Dex-Cool?

 

[Wilhelm_D]

Originally Posted By: dsmith41
With the controversy that seems to go with Dex-Cool about it destroying seals and water pumps, I won't even run it in my girlfriend's Chevy. If G-12 is basically the same as Dex-Cool, why do we not see the same issues in VW cars as we tend to see in GM cars with Dex-Cool?


BASF developed both G-12 and what is known in the U.S. as DexCool - in Europe it is G-34 - as well as comparable formulae for Citroen/Peugot (G-33) and others.

Apparently the reason we do not see the same issues in Audi/VW that we see in GM vehicles is related to the reason why GM went bankrupt and VW/Audi did not - competent design and competent management.

 

[mechanicx]

I think VW and others did have some issues when they first switched to an OAT. They just corrected the problem sooner. Apparently G-12 and Dexcool both contain 2EHA, but Texaco probably poineered Dexcool and using 2EHA. they did a lot of research and have a lot of coolant patents.

 

[PeteTheFarmer]

I can never figure out how to translate from BASF's G numbers to Volkswagen Auto Group's G numbers. VAG seems stuck on G-12 with more and more symbols added to the end.

 

[Gradient]

Originally Posted By: PeteTheFarmer
I can never figure out how to translate from BASF's G numbers to Volkswagen Auto Group's G numbers. VAG seems stuck on G-12 with more and more symbols added to the end.

From what I have read:
G-12 is Glysantin "Alu Protect/G 30"
G-12++ is Glysantin "Dynamic Protect/G 40"

 

[BobFout]

There is a "middle" G12+ in there too.

 

[Gradient]

Originally Posted By: BobFout
There is a "middle" G12+ in there too.
I'm not sure but it looks like G12 and G12+ have become G12 / "Alu Protect/G 30"

 

[Petersubaru]

Originally Posted By: PeteTheFarmer
I can never figure out how to translate from BASF's G numbers to Volkswagen Auto Group's G numbers. VAG seems stuck on G-12 with more and more symbols added to the end.
VW G11 = G48 / G12 upgraded to G12plus = G30 / G12plus plus = G40..all contain 2ETHA

 

[dubdom]

A little question from a noob. my previous VW, 2001 TDI called for G12 now my new 2010 calls for G12++. But my expansion tank has G12 printed on it and the color sure does match the old G12 (i have read somewhere G12++ is of a violet shade.) Question is are these formulations at all compatible? Either backward compatible or not at all?

thanx