Coolant Silica Bag Issues

[Lucas_R]

I have a 2021 206 rline. Doesn't have the bag markings on the outside of the bowl... so I wonder if they stopped putting them in there after a certain date

Yes they stopped putting in the silica bags. So its quite possible yours doesn't have one. Although I don't know exactly when they stopped.

My car is 2020 without the bag.

They must have realised sometime in between 2016 and 2021 that the silica bag was a stupid idea and caused more harm than good. What a ridiculous and unnecessary idea that was.

[nermal]

They must have realised sometime in between 2016 and 2021 that the silica bag was a stupid idea and caused more harm than good. What a ridiculous and unnecessary idea that was.

What was the idea behind it supposed to be? Is it some sort of inert filter to collect nasties, like a charcoal filter (guessing charcoal could react with the coolant)?

[Lucas_R]

Did you also have to change your coolant spec ? I've read the G12Evo has replaced the G13, and wondering if the G12Evo requires a silca bag or not ? I've asked my local service manager, and they've referred me to Head office.....

G12Evo is the latest version of the coolant (they really should have called it G14 to be consistent, because calling it G12 makes it sound like its the predecessor to the G13).

I used G13 coolant in my Mk7 GTI and also run G13 in my Audi SQ5 (having done coolant flushes on both cars) because I was not aware of the G12Evo at the time. The G12Evo is more environmentlly friendly apparently due to being made with glycerin.

This is what I used for my cars: Meyle G13 Coolant

[dArK5HaD0w]

What was the idea behind it supposed to be? Is it some sort of inert filter to collect nasties, like a charcoal filter (guessing charcoal could react with the coolant)?

the silica bag is designed to help the G13 coolant last longer.
the newer cars which use G12evo coolant needs to b flushed more regularly, hence doesn't use/need the silica bag.

[curly747]

Apparently silica is in coolant for corrosion protection properties. It depletes pretty quickly hence the idea of putting the silica bag in the reservoir. I have seen mention that Mercedes did the same thing in the past. I don't know if they still do.
I mentioned the silica bag to a VW specialist who just replaced my brakes. He wasn't aware of it being an issue which was interesting. I think i will still change out my coolant reservoir. Mine looks like its dual walled so i can't access the silica bag.

[genebaby]

How does the long life 8 year coolant work in the stores? Or it doesn't?

[curly747]

How does the long life 8 year coolant work in the stores? Or it doesn't?

Are you talking about the Penrite red and purple coolant. The Penrite website says I should use the purple one in my 2016 B8 Passat. However it also says I would need to do a full flush of my G13 coolant before adding their purple coolant.

[genebaby]

I put the same green colour in my XR8 not long ago. 8 years it said, that's all I know. Coolant seems to be lasting longer these days with silica bags. I never knew those were in use.

[dcsapira]

We pulled the original expansion tank out, and put in the latests OEM tank without the silca bag - topped it up with G13 and will flush after holidays with G12Evo. Been a learning process thats for sure ! thanks for the help