Silica pack in coolant header
 

Hi I'm not sure this is in the right area but here goes.

I've seen the subject of a silica pack in the coolant header tank becoming a possible issue as time passes. I read that its there to keep the coolant clean making it a sealed for life system and no service schedule exists for my car. I haven't looked at my header to see if its marked as having a silica pack, I suppose I should.

It's said that if the pack bursts then it could cause issues with blocked heater matrix and other such horrors.

What's the opinion on here, which I greatly respect, whether to remove it or not please?

Steve

A video about this popped up on my YouTube recommend list on Friday. Was this by any chance how you found out about it?

On some of the header tanks, it's double skinned, with the silica bag in between them, so your only option is to replace the tank.

Here's a link to the video, out of interest:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39ngHGvMzEg

Yes, that's where I found it. I'm still very green when it comes to VAG stuff. I'll assume that the threat of catastrophe is real then and probably change the tank if it is indeed double-skinned on my car. I'll pop out and check now.

Thanks for your help.

Just checked ETKA to find the part number, and noticed that there are two different tanks, depending on manufacture date.

If manufactured before 23/06/2010, the part number for the CDSB (4.2tdi) engine is 4H0121403K. The connector pipe is 16mm in size. OEM price is £177.

Anything after that date, the part number is 4H0121403H or 4H0121403N, and has a 20mm connector pipe. OEM price is around £50.

Seems they decided they needed a larger diameter pipe to the coolant tank. I would definitely measure the connector diameter before ordering a new one.

Thanks again Steamship. Other than the V5 how can I tell the manufacture date?

Oh silly me! I'll just measure the pipe huh?

Mine's the later 20mm one. Thanks again.