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Thread: T3 DIY Coolant Change

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Sunshine Coast Qld
    Posts
    3

    T3 DIY Coolant Change

    Hi
    After much delay finally have time to do some overdue maint on my T3 ,2.1 auto
    At present Im replacing my Master Cyliinder. As the van is now off the road for a day or two ,my next urgent job is DIY Coolant change.
    Im a little confused here especially when refering to the workshop manuel.
    To 'drain' my old coolant Im under the impression that all I have to do is :
    - Open the expansion tank cap
    - Drain the coolant at the drain plug on both cylinder heads.
    Q.... Would I need to do anything else or should this suffice.

    Also: While draining should the vehicle be level or better front end higher.

    PS I do intend to use G12+ coolant.


    Any help appreciated.

    ajp
    Last edited by ajp3830; 07-04-2009 at 08:09 AM.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Dont poke and hope, scan, smoke and scope
    Posts
    4,423
    Users Country Flag
    G12 plus is the go mate. Ok now bleeding the cooling system on the T3 isnt for novices. Its a large system and can easily airlock. By the way you dont need to jack the vehicle up like some may suggest. The bleeder bolt is on the top of the Radiator ( front) you will have to remove your grille to access this. Fill the system up at the back till it cant take any more, pump the hoses by hand. Make sure your heater tap is open ( hot position) and when the engine is running the blower should be on 1st or 2nd speed, to aid bleeding the heater matrix. Once filled to the max, screw on the header tank cap and run at around 2000rpm, (probably best if you get someone to help here) do this till you get a steady stream out of the bolt hole in the Radiator. refit the bolt and top up. You should start to feel some heat in the cabin by now. Keep repeating till there is no air present. Now it does take a while and EVERY last drop wont make it , this will all happen on its own , when it self bleeds any small remainder of air.
    Good luck, and another thing your system must be in good condition to do this correctly, Stat, pump, head gasket, Radiator etc
    Jmac
    Last edited by Jmac; 06-04-2009 at 04:12 PM.
    Alba European
    Service, Diagnostics and repairs. Mobile Diag available on request
    Audi/VW/Porsche Factory trained tech 25+ yrs exp
    For people who value experience call 0423965341

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Sunshine Coast Qld
    Posts
    3
    Thread Starter

    Thanks for the info on refilling the system. I will follow your advice.
    Its very much in line with what the WM is saying.
    My other main concern is with the draining of the system.Do you think I have ticked all the boxes (refer my initial post)
    Thanks ...it all helps
    ajp

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