1.8tfsi Coolant loss

[Ibisa3]

Any hints on the first places to inspect for a leak ?

Doing a oil consumption test just now, and as part of it i topped up the coolant to the max @ cold.

300ish miles later, its knocking on the minimum door........

No obvious leak, no steam under the bonnet, no overheating etc.

Any advice welcome.

 

[S3 AEX]

I'd put a dye in the coolant and should make it easier to pin point leak.

 

[S3 AEX]

http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/UV-Dye-UV-T...ing-Antifreeze-System-RLD2-Ring-/230723938073 cheap enough

 

[Ibisa3]

great idea. I'm going to do a steam test tonight, and failing that i'll order some.

I presume its safe to leave it in ??

 

[S3 AEX]

great idea. I'm going to do a steam test tonight, and failing that i'll order some.

I presume its safe to leave it in ??

Ye says safe to leave in, and I've had the stuff in the missus car a few year back an left it in. Hope you get to the bottom of it.

 

[biscuit-a3]

The water pump at the front of the engine just under the manifold is very common in these

I think vw are on about 6th revision of the design to stop them from leaking

 

[Ibisa3]

Where do they leak? a pipe/flange or the seal with the block ?

 

[Ibisa3]

 

[Ibisa3]

Well there is evidence of the loss below the pump........

Lovely.

 

[DomH]

Yep, had mine changed last year. They said it was leaking but I hadn't actually noticed, I was just getting a high pitched whistle like this

 

[Forbzeeee]

I had a coolant leak and it turned out to be the coolant flange at the rear of the head. I've just had mine replaced. Parts are cheap but the job is a real pain. Good luck with yours

 

[Ibisa3]

The odd thing is, it goes from the max level to the min level, then doesn't seem to drop any more.......my boot is loaded with oil/antifreeze/distilled water so i can top up as and when. Currently doing an oil consumption test too.

I emailed the dealer i bought the car from a week ago. They have already gotten the hump. They offer a limited warranty on all used cars, but have now suggested that the warranty work needs to be carried out by them. I bought the car over 450 miles away from my home.......

I'll need to get a look under it, can't see a thing from on top. Might be a manifold off job......

 

[biscuit-a3]

The water pump is normally done from underneath with the throttle flap removed

There is a belt that drives the pump,

There is a special tool to remove the gear on the engine its like a 11.5 mm nut head

If you don't take the gear off you can't change the belt,

It's a little tricky to replace

 

[Ibisa3]

Thanks for the info.

For the next while ill just monitor it closely. Hopefully the garage will do it unter warranty.

 

[Ibisa3]

Wow. The garage i bought it from are playing hardball already. Emailed them to get warranty details.

They've instantly got their back up, and suggested that their warranty is in-house only, and i need to take it back to them. 500 miles away.

its not even 2 weeks in my ownership.
They keep telling me that they offered me an extended warranty, which never happened.
GRRRRR