Problem! Again

Mattyh87

Sideways as always!
May 7, 2006
220
0
Manchester
The coolant temperature went up on the way back from Nottingham, going upto around 115C Maximum in traffic after a hard drive.

Looked in the coolant box, couldnt see anything. I reckon, that maybe, the last place i serviced it at topped it up, or changed it for water without G12+ additive in it? Would that make sense?

Im going to top it up tomorrow with G12+ Additive and water and see how it goes, hopefully will get me to Nottingham on Wednesday and Stockport tomorrow :)

Do you reckon it could be a leak, or wrong coolant put in? Also, is it easy to drain the coolant?
 

daveyonthemove

Smile if you like SEAT's
May 14, 2006
1,519
0
Wrexham
If you have a leak, then the laws of physics say there will be a puddle somewhere. Stick some water in and leave it for a bit, then go back and check it.
 

Mattyh87

Sideways as always!
May 7, 2006
220
0
Manchester
Will do tonight. And see how it goes.

If i get G12+ coolant does that mix with G11 and G12?

Will get a lift to VW garage - get some coolant top up, and see if it leaks. Whats the coolant capacity of the system (if anyone knows) If it leaks, off to the garage :(
 
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timbotdi

Active Member
Oct 18, 2006
213
0
I think the system is around 5 litres...

In all reality I doubt whether the presence of coolant is really gonna make much difference - it's more to stop it freezing in the winter, than stopping the high temperatures.

Are you losing any coolant from the header tank after a hard drive? Can you see extra misting coming out of the back when you boot it?

If so, I'd prepare myself for the worst - it could be a crack in the head, or indeed a blown head gasket. First thing to check if you are losing water is the Oil Filter Housing Gasket on the front of the block - it's only made from paper and is a lot more susceptible to blowing than the metal head gasket.

T
 
Jan 22, 2007
2,074
0
some may say lala land....
cheers viking.
no idea what they put in mine on service at weekend, but coolant light came on this morning in the cold.
ignored as i do as know this a common fault. will hope to clean sensor at weekend.
 

Mattyh87

Sideways as always!
May 7, 2006
220
0
Manchester
Timbo - i thought if you ran it on water it would cause cavitation? As the coolant prevents erosion of certain parts.

No "steam" or white smoke apart from when just switching it on occassionally which i thought was fairly standard.

Sometimes get a bit of grey/black smoke. when booting it which again, with a remap and no exhaust filter i thought was fairly standard.

What would a crack in the head or a blown head gasket mean in terms of cost?
 
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Mattyh87

Sideways as always!
May 7, 2006
220
0
Manchester
You can mix G12+ with G11 and G12 according to VW service. but not G11 and G12.

Also, no white smoke apart from when cold at start up, its not the oil cooler, no smell of coolant from exhaust or engine, no leak. topped up at home, drove it, it went down a bit (probably an air lock) topped up, drove it, not gone down.
Had to put in nearly 3 litres of coolant however!

Doesnt look like a blown head gasket, oil cooler, or a leak according to VW. They reckoned it would be difficult to start if it was a head gasket issue - and it started first time.

Thanks for all the help - much appreciated. Will keep you informed if there are any more developments!
 
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timbotdi

Active Member
Oct 18, 2006
213
0
When my previous engine's head cracked I didn't have any problems starting, it would just run the header tank dry within 10 minutes of normal driving!

My current engine (28,000 mile PD130) was losing coolant within a week of it being fitted - the header tank test (chemical unit placed in the top of the header tank) came up positive, but it turned out to be the oil filter housing (paper) gasket, I mentioned above - a lot simpler job!

If you did have a crack in the head (although this sounds unlikely from your description) you'd be looking at £350 for a decent 2nd hand unit. It just so happens I have a complete head and injectors sitting in the garage if it came to it...

Head gasket failure can be costly... The gaskets themselves are approx £300, but the labour charge sky-rockets, as you should regasket the head, exhaust manifold, inlet manifold, and if the garage feel necessary, skim the head. My local garage quoted around £1000 to another customer last week, and he didn't find a better offer.

T
 

Mattyh87

Sideways as always!
May 7, 2006
220
0
Manchester
It has taken months (serviced = coolant change, in March/April time?) for the coolant to lose so much however. I drove 40 miles today without any noticable decrease in the amount of coolant - wouldnt it be more likely to be a slow leak from somewhere else in the coolant system?

Ill take it to a garage in Nottingham called Nottingham Diesels who are specialists in the diesel field - will get them to check it out and will ask them to check the oil filter housing gasket and get a pressure and maybe a dye test done - i need 300 more miles to drive as im going back to uni soon!

Thanks for the advice!
 
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timbotdi

Active Member
Oct 18, 2006
213
0
Sounds like the best way forward mate.

Good luck, and let us know how you get on.

Cheers,

T
 

Dave H

Active Member
Mar 12, 2007
87
0
Perth, Scotland
radiator?

I have a leaking radiator and i lose coolant through this, have topped up with water, but I guess time has come for a new radiator. I was quoted circa £200 for a new radiator fitted - is this reasonable?
 
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