Coolant System Upgrades?

dlevy05 · Jul 5, 2017

So I've tried doing a search here on cooling systems for the Touareg. It seems as though the most common problems are related to water pump failures, or fans not turning off after the car is shut off.

If one is taking their higher milage car to relatively extreme temperatures what do we need to watch out for?

There doesn't seem to be much information on silicone hose kits.

My setup is probably the most simple one out there - a 2004 V6 3.2 Petrol

1. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can create a more robust cooling system with readily available parts? I would really like to have piece of mind when going on longer excursions around death valley, and into the sierras/rockies, Alaska, etc..???

2. Are there any areas of common failure (i.e. water pump, radiator, hoses, etc) that I should watch out for?

Thanks for your input!

P.S. Having said this, I've replaced the water pump at just after 100k miles with an OEM unit, and I've now got 130+k miles on the car. All said, it's been super reliable, so I don't really have experience with failures in this area...

dlevy05 · Jul 5, 2017

Also, while we're at it - did the T1's come with an upgraded cooling system with the tow package? or was that only later years? I ask because I don't have a tow hitch but was thinking of adding one. I would want to upgrade the cooling system if it's necessary/advisable, or was part of the OEM specs for the T1.

noobytoogy · Jul 5, 2017

Do nothing, not even for towing! Your system is fine.

Just use the correct VW coolant at all times.

dlevy05 · Jul 5, 2017

Thanks for the definitive answer - searches show me that the system is a good one to begin with

FSJ Guy · Jul 5, 2017

As long as your cooling system is in good shape, I think you'll fine.

I did have a coolant tank failure when 4 wheeling last year. The tank failed and split open, dumping all my coolant. I had to get strapped off the mountain (towed). But if the tank was original, it had over 145K miles on it.

The coolant reservoir in the Touareg is part of the pressure system, unlike the old systems where there was an unpressurized reservoir.

So other than replacing an old coolant tank and making sure your hoses are in good shape, there's not much to be done. We don't even have a Pesky Heater Hose like some of the Toyota/Lexus owners do.

dlevy05 · Jul 5, 2017

Thanks! Good information to know. I need to double check whether or not mine was replaced recently, but I'll have a look. Good to know that these are pressurized systems. Pelican seems to have them for reasonable amounts.

Coolant System Upgrades?

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