I know the Pentosin is an accepted substitute for the G12, and is
mix-compatible (won't sludge).  I'll probably pick up a few gallons of G12
from the dealer and go with that.  I don't like playing around with coolants,
especially in these temperamental animals.  I'm putting a different engine
into this vanagon (replacement 1.9L), the old one has a seized water pump,
worn-out camshaft, broken exhaust, among other things.

On Sat, Oct 18, 2008 at 09:54:28AM -0400, Jack R. wrote:
> I've been told by some of the best German repair shops, and parts sources
> here in the Detroit area that
> http://www.eurosportacc.com/pentosin_longtime_lifetime_antifreeze_coolant.ht
> m
>
> Pentosin Red - Lifetime coolant is the best to use, along with some Red-line
> water wetter.
> http://www.redlineoil.com/products_coolant.asp?subCategoryID=4&coolantFlash=
> 1
>
> However the cost at $15 for 1.5 L is high... If the typical Vanagon 2.1l
> cooling system capacity is 16.7 L, it would take 6 bottles or about $85 for
> the coolant change.  When compared to some typical phosphate free off the
> shelf coolants a flush and fill would run about $25.  So, is it worth the
> $60 extra for Pentosin???  Esp. if the system is new e.g. new lines,
> radiator, water pump etc.
>
> Or is it a better practice to just flush and fill every two years with a
> good phosphate free coolant?
>
>
> Jack R.
> 84 Westy Wolfie w/2.1L WBX
> N. of Detroit
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> Scott Daniel - Turbovans
> Sent: Saturday, October 18, 2008 2:08 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: G12 Coolant
>
> I hope it works out just fine.
> Sitting 9 years.
> Does it run ?   I sure hope it's OK.
> what I have seen pretty much though.............is most used waterboxer
> engines need new head gaskets at least.
> Heck, I'd be afraid to put something 'too exotic' in it even !
> But maybe it'll be just fine. Another vanagon saved - glad to hear that !
> Scott
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Jason Brand" <kitambi@EPICSOL.ORG>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Friday, October 17, 2008 7:50 PM
> Subject: Re: G12 Coolant
>
>
> > G12 is VW OEM antifreeze, the successor to G11 which was used from the
> > beginning of time to 1997.  I don't use non-OEM antifreeze in any of my
> > vehicles.  I was only asking because G11 is hard to find anymore, and
> > generally special order only.  Yes, I do plan to flush this system
> > thoroughly,
> > seeing as that the van has been sitting since 1999.
> >
> > On Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 01:58:44PM -0700, Scott Daniel - Turbovans wrote:
> >> why go asking for problems with a non-compatible anti-freeze when
> >> any decent quality anti-freeze, mixed 50/50 with clean water and perhaps
> >> an
> >> additive or two.........
> >> and used with awareness and regular changing works absolutely perfectly
> >> ??
> >>
> >> .
> >> ----- Original Message -----
> >> From: "Allan Streib" <streib@CS.INDIANA.EDU>
> >> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> >> Sent: Friday, October 17, 2008 1:25 PM
> >> Subject: Re: G12 Coolant
> >>
> >>
> >>> "Chris S" <szpejankowski@GMAIL.COM> said:
> >>>
> >>>> I thought all phosphate-free coolant was OK to use?
> >>>
> >>> I think more important than anything "bad" about G12 itself is that it
> >>> reportedly does NOT mix well with anything else blue or green.
> >>>
> >>> You need to flush out the system well if that's not what was in there to
> >>> start with.
> >>>
> >>> Allan
> >>> --
> >>> 1991 Vanagon GL