Confused??? You Bet!! Advice appreciated

[Garlo]

Well my A3 TDI sport (04 BKD) has been in a gearbox and engine specialists for a week while I was away being tested because of coolant loss, passed all tests (hot, cold, gas, pressure) and apparently no issues at all!! No other symptoms at all, just coolant loss, so what the hell is going on - anyone any ideas ?? Has done 134k so i guess the head is ok, been losing coolant on and off for 9 months, 3 garages now - no diagnosis!!

 

[wesmaster]

Had this some time back on a leon, was headgasket leaking a tiny amount when really hot.

 

[S3_Mat]

I would suspect head, or possibly heater matrix. do you have damp footwells?

 

[carpetbagger]

If no visible sign of leaks then could be head gasket try some kseal in header tank used it a couple of times with good results
if the loss of water stops then you know its head gasket

 

[Garlo]

Tried K Seal, sometimes works for about 700 miles, sometimes it don’t work at all!!, If there was a problem with the head gasket, would that not show up on a pressure test?

 

[carpetbagger]

To be 100% sure you can get a sniff test (pressure test) never had it done myself but i believe it changes colour if it detects carbon monoxide
in your cooling system not to expensive

 

[Garlo]

Yeah its had that done too, and passed - no contam!!!

 

[Garlo]

Anyone got any ideas???????????

 

[Chilly]

Hose starting to perish when hot and under pressure 134k and an 04Plate might be worth a look?

 

[Artimus]

Try doing a search for Porous Head to see what turns up! I've a feeling that's your problem.

 

[Garlo]

What hose Chilly? Interesting, same mileage, same plate!!!
Artimus - I have no starting probs, smoke, temp issues, compression and sniff tests passed, surely not head as if the amount of coolant loss (1litre over 200 miles) would give other issues and indicators????

 

[carpetbagger]

The only other thing i can think of is the header tank cap if its not sealing 100% you could be loosing fluid that way

 

[max69vk]

Check your EGR cooler isn't leaking into the exhaust, its a fairly common issue.