I have seen the pink stuff before.  This is a bright red.  I am pretty sure
it is different stuff.

Thanks,
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
http://www.vanagain.com
Phone: (856)-327-4936
Fax: (856)-327-2242

-----Original Message-----
From: Mary Beth and Chris Geiser [mailto:geiser@execpc.com]
Sent: Friday, August 23, 2002 11:57 AM
To: 'Kenneth Wilford'; vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: RE: morons (red coolant)

That pink stuff (is that the same as red?) seemed to leak past all my
hose clamps in both my van and jetta when I had it in.... blue coolant,
no more leaks...
Chris

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM] On Behalf
Of Kenneth Wilford
Sent: Friday, August 23, 2002 9:56 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: morons (red coolant)

Just FYI but not too long ago my sister needed some red coolant for her
'98
Golf.  I found a supplier for this red coolant which is what VW puts in
all
of the new Jettas/Golfs.  It is supposed to be a lifetime coolant.  I
have
it for $8 a 1.5 liter bottle (VW dealer wants $15 a bottle).  It is
called
Pentosin.  Anyone have an opinion on this stuff for use in the Vanagon?
It
is Phosphate and Silicate free.

Thanks,
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
http://www.vanagain.com
Phone: (856)-327-4936
Fax: (856)-327-2242

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of The Old Volks Home
Sent: Thursday, August 22, 2002 7:01 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: morons

At 11:42 AM 8/22/02 -0400, SpaceKommander wrote:
>He mentioned that you MUST use VW coolant as the sensors were
calibrated
>for it. He said even the Fuel Injection could be screwed up if I used
>something else for coolant. Coolant/water ratio was also imporant.
>Look, it's an extra $10.00 per gallon. How much do you use? An extra
$10
>per year seems a good investment if it just might help solve some of my
>engine/cooling problems.
>He said the Vanagons in Germany did not have the head gasket problems
we
>did. Is it cooling related? Cooldown after highway related? Whatever.
>Trying to save $10 by buying green prestone or whatever seems like
nonsense.
************************************
I've been using Havoline Dex-Cool Phosphate-Free (the orange stuff) for
over 5 years now (flushed and replaced about 2 years ago when my GERMAN
water pump bearing gave up the ghost) without a single leak ANYWHERE.
It's
nice to be able to afford the extra $10 for the OE stuff (and you
probably
should use it as well), but the Dex-Cool is every bit as good as VW's
IMHO.
 I've never had a sensor problem, either with the needle reading or the
LED, at least related to Dex-Cool, it's always been with a low coolant
reading or too little coolant verses the water ratio (remember, pre-mix
at
a 50-50 mix and you won't have problems with this).  You don't fill a
Wasserboxer the way you do yer Chevy, like pouring in straight coolant
first, then water.  My main factory VW mechanic set me straight by
telling
me to pre-mix it in 1 gallon jugs before pouring it in.  Works for me
everytime.

As per usual, I think the rep is blowin' smoke, but he's prolly tryin'
to
protect his backside as well.

But stay away from the GREEN Prestone, it's not worth the $$$ you'll
spend
later on possible repairs.

JIm
84 Westy 2.1
"Ole Putt"
68 Beetle
"Xavier"
73 Ghia Coupe
"The Last Project"
jimt@oldvolkshome.com
jim96003@c-zone.net
***********
**Need to find the right dizzy?
http://www.oldvolkshome.com/ignition.htm
OR
http://www.oldvolkshome.com/ovhignbo.htm
**Upgrade your 83.5-85 Vanagon to 2.1
http://www.oldvolkshome.com/19to21.htm
***********