7 hours ago, EnterName said:

Yeah, I've read that too. Seems reasonable, but I don't know for sure that whatever makes the silica bags split isn't an issue for the double-walled expansion bottles.

Maybe it's because the silica gets trapped in the double-wall construction of the expansion tank when the bags split.

Ideally I would rather get the tank replaced and get shot of the bag.
However I have had an indie VW specialist look at it already and they claim they cannot see any signs of a silica bag and they are aware it is an issue.
I've corroborated this myself by examining the tank repeatedly using a bright torch and checking the colour.
It is possibly the last two owners of the car before me removed the bag but didn't change the tank, which still has the "Mit Silikat" markings on it.
I'll obviously keep a close eye on it but so far, touch wood and every other material available, the aircon has not shown any issues.

4 hours ago, hhcd80 said:

It is possibly the last two owners of the car before me removed the bag but didn't change the tank, which still has the "Mit Silikat" markings on it.

This is relateable, as I did the same myself.

Dunno what to advise, but so long as you're happy and it's not a worry, trust your gut on what to do.

Ordered a genuine one and 10ltrs of g12evo.

 

Just saw another photo of a cut open tank and can see where the bag is 'clipped' in.

 

No was I was looking there!

12 minutes ago, RoddersUK said:

Ordered a genuine one and 10ltrs of g12evo.

 

Just saw another photo of a cut open tank and can see where the bag is 'clipped' in.

 

No was I was looking there!

Good luck with swapping them over. Do upload a pic if you locate the Silica bag in your old tank. 👍

9 minutes ago, EnterName said:

Good luck with swapping them over. Do upload a pic if you locate the Silica bag in your old tank. 👍

You say it although it's hard to do?!

That note about approval to use is interesting

1 hour ago, RoddersUK said:

You say it although it's hard to do?!

Actually a very easy DIY job - highly recommend buying a good pair of hose clamp pliers (available online) The clamps can be difficult to remove without the proper tool.

Just now, Warrior193 said:

Actually a very easy DIY job - highly recommend buying a good pair of hose clamp pliers (available online) The clamps can be difficult to remove without the proper tool.

 

I second this, I used a ratty pair of pliers and it was tricky enough.

Replacement bottle arrived today. 10 minutes to change. Can just make out the shape of the silikat bag and pink colour. It's not loose and doesn't slosh about, if you weren't looking for it you'd never guess.

20 hours ago, Crasher said:

That note about approval to use is interesting

 

Being a bit risk averse, I was thinking "concerning"!

 

Though maybe it was to make sure that VW USA workshops  know that G12evo has not replaced all coolants,  just coolant in internal combustion cars.

 

It would be handy to know what exactly it meant though.

I've just pulled my bag out of the expansion tank, took 2 minutes with a pair of long nose tweezers. I was worried I might damage the bag and spill the contents but it seems to be a well made bag with no signs of deterioration.

 

Question about the correct coolant/antifreeze: I know I should use the G12evo, but all the brands I've seen so far don't reference any spec. Is it just a case of finding the right colour, Pink?

Currently have Pink Prestone in the system. Is this OK? 

 

 

It is a case of getting the correct coolant, not the correct colour. 

19 minutes ago, toot said:

It is a case of getting the correct coolant, not the correct colour. 

 

Whenever I've looked at the coolant bottles, I can't see any spec listed.

That's what I've just bought.

 

Had another look in the tank, with a bright torch, can't see a bag still.

Ha, was reasonably sure I didn't have a bag.......

No signs of damage on the bag, but absolutely no way I could ever get it out, not sure how people do that can?

It was in the outer chamber with no hole big enough for it to fit through.

 

 

Exactly the same as mine. Skoda know about this problem and from the bag initially being dropped in the bottle this was there next attempt. One good thing the bags I've seen do look relatively strong 

Yeah, it seems quite a tough bag, I even stabbed it a bit with a screwdriver ripping the top of the bottle off.

 

Still, much happier now its out.

Looks the same as mine. The bag looks and feels robust enough that I might even consider putting it back.

For the sake of putting G12 evo in and having no bag, I don't see the point?

 

Maybe if you sealed it up in a few more bags, lol

2 minutes ago, RoddersUK said:

For the sake of putting G12 evo in and having no bag, I don't see the point?

 

Maybe if you sealed it up in a few more bags, lol

 

Fair point, however to do a proper job I'll likely need to change the coolant that's currently in the system as I'm pretty sure it isn't G12 evo compliant. This will involve the VCDS once more which I'm rapidly falling out of love with.

 

The cam belt & water pump are due a change in about 30k miles so could get the G12 evo added then and whip the bag out again. 

I've just run the engine and put the outlet into a bucket and topped up with G12evo as the header goes down.

Had heater on max, to open up the matrix.

 

Missus will drive it around, then I'll do another 5ltrs next weekend.

Should get round most of the system.

 

Then perhaps just to 5ltrs on the next service.

Since Golf 2 ish, most VAG heater matrix’s have been constant flow air blend heat/cooling control.

On 14/04/2023 at 11:50, RoddersUK said:

You say it although it's hard to do?!

No, it's just helpful for other car owners to see what they're dealing with. 👍

On 17/04/2023 at 18:24, Gammyleg said:

Looks the same as mine. The bag looks and feels robust enough that I might even consider putting it back.

Mine was in pristine condition when I removed it and it still is, but now it's safely in a plastic bag in the boot, where it can't do any harm.