G11 & G12 antifreeze

Discussion in 'Miscellaneous Technical Queries' started by hayesey, Aug 19, 2004.

  1. hayesey Forum Junkie

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2003
    Likes Received:
    1
    Location:
    Bahamas
    what exactly is the difference in the two? apart from the colour obviously.

    I know they can't be mixed with each other but what would happen if you filled an engine that originally had G11 in it with G12? (once draining off the G11)

    A mate of mine says antifreeze is antifreeze, where as VW handbooks seem to say otherwise.
     
  2. Jetta Forum Junkie

    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2003
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    United Kingdom
    g11 is for cast iron blocks where as g12 is for alloy, the question is accademic anyway as they have been replaced by g12+

    g11 and g12 dont mix, apparently they tur in to a gel or sludge if you do (dont quote me on that, but its what I've been told happens if you mix em)

    I guess the difference could have been g11 was designed to prevent corrosion in ally blocks and G12 was designed to prevent corrosion in alloy blocks.
     
  3. The Other Simon Forum Member

    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2003
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    United Kingdom
    They are based on completely different chemicals. G11 (blue) is glycol based and G12 (red) is organic acid based.
    If you flushed the G11 out completely, then the G12 would work. But why would you want to do that? G11 is very very cheap and lasts for two years.

    Smon.
     
  4. hayesey Forum Junkie

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2003
    Likes Received:
    1
    Location:
    Bahamas
    It's just that I've got a bottle of G12 from when I had a mk4 Polo & was wondering if it would have disastrous consequences if I used it in my current car which originally has G11 in it.

    i'll nip to VW in a bit & get some G11 stuff then.
     
  5. Funkyfin2000 Forum Addict

    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2003
    Likes Received:
    1
    Location:
    Stafford, United Kingdom
    i don't think you can get G11 anymore, G12plus is the only now available Hayesey!
     
  6. rubjonny

    rubjonny Administrator Staff Member Admin

    Joined:
    Oct 31, 2003
    Likes Received:
    3,298
    Location:
    Bracknell
    If you mix em it goes a lovely shade of brown! Thats what was in my Driver when I got it, the amount of crap that came out the header tank was unbelievable!

    Flush it and stick G12 in, make sure you mix it with proper de-ionised? (is that what its called?) water from Halfords (the stuff you fill batterys with) To help prevent rust
     
  7. hayesey Forum Junkie

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2003
    Likes Received:
    1
    Location:
    Bahamas
    I'll go & get some G12+ later on then.

    If they don't do G12 anymore i'll sell my bottle on Ebay as it's now *RARE* :lol:
     
  8. Funkyfin2000 Forum Addict

    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2003
    Likes Received:
    1
    Location:
    Stafford, United Kingdom
    LOL!!! defo worth doing! someone will snap that up easily...
     
  9. Jon TDI Forum Member

    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2003
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    United Kingdom
    G12 is supposed to be long life stuff.
     
  10. hayesey Forum Junkie

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2003
    Likes Received:
    1
    Location:
    Bahamas
    the handbooks for the mk4 I used to have (G12) & the G40 (G11) both say the antifreeze never needs replacing! I don't trust that to be honest, it's now a horrible colour.
    I've bought some G12+ to go in anyway.
     
  11. Funkyfin2000 Forum Addict

    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2003
    Likes Received:
    1
    Location:
    Stafford, United Kingdom
    get the G12 on EBAY now!!!!!
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice