Coolant Change Questions

[nieuwhzn]

So you bought this car new in 2000 and it still has the original coolant?
Just asking because I face the same problem, i.e. brownish green coolant in the car but no idea if this is the original coolant. 3 gallons of Porsche's pink coolant is already waiting in the garage, the total coolant is about 6 gallons I think (50/50 mix). Would be nice to know if I have to flush the hell out of the system with deionized water first or that the old stuff can be mixed with the new?

Btw, I don't think there is the need for a vacuum tool to fill the system. There is a bleeder valve which can be used to 'burp' the system.

[kjc2050]

Originally Posted by nieuwhzn

So you bought this car new in 2000 and it still has the original coolant?
Just asking because I face the same problem, i.e. brownish green coolant in the car but no idea if this is the original coolant. 3 gallons of Porsche's pink coolant is already waiting in the garage, the total coolant is about 6 gallons I think (50/50 mix). Would be nice to know if I have to flush the hell out of the system with deionized water first or that the old stuff can be mixed with the new?

Btw, I don't think there is the need for a vacuum tool to fill the system. There is a bleeder valve which can be used to 'burp' the system.

No. I bought the car last year, but have the full service records. It's never been changed.

[Mark_T]

Originally Posted by nieuwhzn

Btw, I don't think there is the need for a vacuum tool to fill the system. There is a bleeder valve which can be used to 'burp' the system.

You probably wouldn't say that if you had done the job with the vacuum tool. It takes a whole level of hassle out of the job and even the pro's on this board strongly recommend using it.

Is it necessary - no. Does it make the job way easier - yes. Is the tool worth every penny and them some - absolutely. The only catch is that you do need a decent compressor to use it, but anyone serious about working on their own car generally has one.