Needing a hand VIC

[brookfromhamilton]

Hey guys

Just wondering if anyone locally in VIC would mind giving me a hand with my b3 passat 9a. Having some issues with the coolant reservoir / think there may be air in the pipes. Not to sure, not super clued up.

Any help would be hugely appreciated and beer will be provided!

[h100vw]

Run it with the cap off for a couple of minutes, when it's about to bubble over, knock the engine off.

It should bleed itself in normal operation and the level will just drop. Putting the light on if the level sensor is working.

Gavin

[brookfromhamilton]

Thanks Gavin.

Today the water light came on on the dash. I pulled over and took the cap off - the cap exploded off and boiling hot water pissed out everywhere. Rookie mistake, should have waited for it to cool down. Anyway I topped it up with water ( engine off ) and the water disappeared, I can't seem to fill up the reservoir. Now the light is still on. Not to sure what to do, managed to get it home and turned her off. Should the bottom pipe to the radiator be hot??

[h100vw]

Yeah, you need to wait or release the pressure really, really slowly. Still likely to blow water out.

If the water disappeared, then you need more to put in.

Are you sure it's not pouring out somewhere, as you fill up? You should also watch needle on the temp gauge, if it stays around the middle the manual reckons that's fine. If it goes off the top with a flashing light, you need to stop, as you did.

Total capacity on a dry engine would be around 5 litres. I don't think it unusual to stick in a litre or more if the light comes on.

My Polo from dry would normally want another 1.5litres after the thermostat opens up. After filling up from bone dry. Then usually another litre soon after.

Sounds to me that you just need to put more in. Fill it up. Put the cap on and let it idle. Aircon off. I am curious if the fan switch is working. Watch the gauge and if it goes much over the normal position, with the fans not kicking in, knock the engine off. the report back here.

[brookfromhamilton]

Thanks again Gavin. Oh ok didn't realise it needed that much. So now engine is cool I shall fill her up, do I need to get that g12 coolant or can I just use tap water? I'll search around for a leak but last time I checked I couldn't see one. I have no air con (needs regasing and heaters don't work either) does this matter?

[h100vw]

For the purpose of the exercise, just fill with water. I do this all the time to confirm the integrity of the system. Obviously, it needs G12 long term. A few days won't kill it. You can soon drop some water out and replace with G12.

Is the heater core bypassed?

[brookfromhamilton]

Cool all done seems to be ok. Where do I track down g12?

Not sure about heater I think it just needs a new fan :/

[h100vw]

VW easiest or HSY/Imparts. The fan doesn't work? Even on flat out?

Gavin

[h100vw]

VW easiest or HSY/Imparts. The fan doesn't work? Even on flat out?

Gavin

VW Passat 1990 Speedometer Drive Cable Right 358957803A | eBay

Might be this one, VW can get you one here, they just need to look the number up and order it lazy gits.....