I need some help please!

My 1990 VW Polo over-heated last night, out of desperation I went to
the engine and I looked for any container that is most likely being
filled/top-uped with water. I saw this ball-shaped container... it was
hot and steam came out from it and I thought that 'this is it' - the
refilling tank. I put a water on it till the Max level. I after a while
I checked the thermometer and It went normal. When I checked the engine
again this morning I noticed the label 'G12' and I started to worry
now. Is it OK, will it cause any engine damage, etc?

wrote in message
oups.com...
I need some help please!

My 1990 VW Polo over-heated last night, out of desperation I went to
the engine and I looked for any container that is most likely being
filled/top-uped with water. I saw this ball-shaped container... it was
hot and steam came out from it and I thought that 'this is it' - the
refilling tank. I put a water on it till the Max level. I after a while
I checked the thermometer and It went normal. When I checked the engine
again this morning I noticed the label 'G12' and I started to worry
now. Is it OK, will it cause any engine damage, etc?


I wouldnt say you have done any damage yet,

G12 is the antifreaze coolent that vw sell normaly you put I think
about a 50% mix of that and water in your cooling systerm,
you need to drain the systerm of the water you put in buy some
G12 and follow the instructions on the bottle about the mix ratio

saying as you didnt even know what the "ball shaped container"
was I guess you havent had this car long? might be worth checking
your oil too ;-)

Usually a mixture of 1 part of G12 to 2 parts of water is OK for the UK. It
helps prevent the coolant freezing in winter and boiling in summer. You
probably won't find G12 for sale, as G12a (purple) is now sold - that mixes with
old (green) G11 and newer (pink) G12. The older VWs use around 30% to 40%
mixtures of anti-freeze to water, depending on the amount of frost protection
needed.

G11 and G12 DO NOT MIX, so never put them together; it makes a brown sludge that
blocks up places.

If you add about half the amount of G12a (purple) as you have just added water,
you will get the right mixture. If you are worried you can get an antifreeze
tester from a carparts shop for a few pounds.

Try to work out why it overheated - how much water did you have to add? Maybe
you just have a leak - look for crusty pink/white deposits to find the leak.
Make sure your fan cuts in, particularly after a fast drive if left to idle for
a few minutes - there may be a fault in that circuit.

---
Dave.
UK VW Type 3 & 4 Club
http://www.hallvw.clara.co.uk/
------
wrote in message
oups.com...
I need some help please!

My 1990 VW Polo over-heated last night, out of desperation I went to
the engine and I looked for any container that is most likely being
filled/top-uped with water. I saw this ball-shaped container... it was
hot and steam came out from it and I thought that 'this is it' - the
refilling tank. I put a water on it till the Max level. I after a while
I checked the thermometer and It went normal. When I checked the engine
again this morning I noticed the label 'G12' and I started to worry
now. Is it OK, will it cause any engine damage, etc?