Am I right in assuming that the tea bag can be got rid off altogether ( swap old mit silicat expansion tank for one without ) by using a better quality antifreeze solution?

 

Having read the burst bag horror stories, I worry what the bill might be should my tea bag spring a leak.

preventively replaced 5Q0 121 407 G to 5Q0 121 407 M

-> https://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/490705-silikat-bag-in-coolant-resorvoir-diesel-engines/?do=findComment&comment=5515679

-> https://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/475223-expansion-bottle-replacement/page/8/#comment-5435158

 

 

I have studied my reservoir intently and seen no evidence of a teabag nor a "Mit Silkat" sticker, I had been informed that the later ones with Silkat but no teabag were double skinned but I see from that cutaway view it is not the case.

 

Maybe mine is a later one and does have Silkat after all which would be a bonus having run it without anti-freeze in error for 18 months.

 

Does anyone know where the part number is moulded into the reservoir? I'm not supposed to be doing any DIY while recovering from eye surgery but it's proving difficult, investigative work should be OK though!

 

Editted, also the production date when the later reservoirs were used?

Edited 25 March, 20233 yr by J.R.

On 25/03/2023 at 19:20, J.R. said:

Does anyone know where the part number is moulded into the reservoir?

I may be wrong, but I think I remember reading in some threads, that the P/N is written on the lower part of the coolant tank, on its rear side. Thus it's not so obvious to read it. Maybe using a small mirror? 

On 25/03/2023 at 18:20, J.R. said:

 

Does anyone know where the part number is moulded into the reservoir?

 

On mine it's just to the left of where the the max-min markers are etched on the tank. Easily visible when looking from the front of the car. 5Q0 141 407 with either a G or M suffix. G = with bag, M = without  I believe.

... Back on topic, which spec of Antifreeze/coolant should I be looking to use if I went down the bagless route? 

G12 Evo either in concentrate to mix 40% coolant with 60% distilled water (the latter is vital) or ready mixed 50/50 which is a bit stronger than strictly necessary in our climate.

Edited 27 March, 20233 yr by Crasher

Excellent, thanks Crasher.