Thread: Caltex Extended Life Coolant Concentrate for 300tdi?

That's the OE coolant for the TD5 and my very late '98 Tdi came with it too.

It's fine, although it tends to find leaks where a 'normal' coolant doesn't.

I've only just changed to a different coolant (Cummins/Fleetguard) as it's easier for me to source, but the insides of my cooling system are spotless from a lifetime of Caltex ELC.

A couple of tips.

Before using do a thorough flush and use an acid based cleaner, not alkali (as most radiator cleaners are) are, thoroughly flush again and you'll be good to go.
Oh, also use pure water, no tap/bore/tank stuff.

Ah that's good. Might be time to dump the green stuff and fill up with the Caltex instead. Not worried about leaks as the core is only two years old.

Originally Posted by rick130

That's the OE coolant for the TD5 and my very late '98 Tdi came with it too.

It's fine, although it tends to find leaks where a 'normal' coolant doesn't.

I've only just changed to a different coolant (Cummins/Fleetguard) as it's easier for me to source, but the insides of my cooling system are spotless from a lifetime of Caltex ELC.

A couple of tips.

Before using do a thorough flush and use an acid based cleaner, not alkali (as most radiator cleaners are) are, thoroughly flush again and you'll be good to go.
Oh, also use pure water, no tap/bore/tank stuff.

Do you run straight coolant, Or is there a percentage of water goes with it?

Originally Posted by 1disco

Do you run straight coolant, Or is there a percentage of water goes with it?

Depends if it's concentrate or pre=mix

50/50 concentrate/water, that's the pure water I mentioned above.

Anyone know what coolant Ritters would put in a Tdi? I had them flush my system completely last service and was just wondering if they use the best stuff for that engine or if they just use a coolant that they can get lots of and that's good for all the different kind of engines they service?

I'd think that since they are such experts whatever they use would be on the money.

I'd check the Caltex coolant before changing. Is it an OAT (organic Acid Technology) or ethylene glycol based coolant ? Coolant colour doesn't mean much now either. Green was good for older vehicles (ethylene glycol) but manufacturers dye OAT coolant any colour they like.

OAT isn't always suitable for older vehicles.
Have a read of this article..... Warning about engine coolant!!!!! - TR Register Forum

Search the net and it becomes very confusing. Ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, OAT (organic acid technology and IAT (inorganic acid technology) coolants are available. Modern vehicles are designed to use OAT or IAT but with an older vehicle you need to be very careful that it provides corrosion protection without damaging gaskets etc.


Colin

OAT's are ethylene glycol based, just the additive (anti-corrosion) chemistry is changed.

Originally Posted by rick130

Oh, also use pure water, no tap/bore/tank stuff.

Do you mean de-mineralised water you can buy from the supermarkets of more of an mount franklin style?