Coolant Leak

[Bowlerwell]

So, I appear to be leaking coolant every so often.
Which is a bit wierd. It's usually fine for weeks, then in one go i'll lose a litre or so.

Any ideas? Why would this happen intermittently?

Can someone tell me the coolant path so I can investigate?
e.g. reservoir -> radiator -> ..... -> ...... -> reservoir

Oh, and which radiator should I be looking at?

Thanks,

JohnB

[BRY]

Coolant cap ?

[Fat Audi 80]

Mine did that before the rad went south. I think if it got hot enough, the radiator would expand enough to let it seep out. Then one afternoon it dumped all the coolant all over the ground as I arrived back from a drive.

I am not saying that is the case here, but you never know.

My rad went at the bottom where the abs plastic met the metal finned area... (Main rad)

cheers,

steve.

[Bowlerwell]

Thanks folks.

I assume by 'Coolant cap' you mean the screw-on lid of the reservoir bottle/container?

Are there any instructions kicking around on how to remove a radiator?
'Main Rad' will be the big one in the middle then...? (please excuse my ignorance...)

Thanks guys!

JohnB

[Jamo]

I'd check for leaks, from the aux pump, all pipe, aux rad, coolant sensors, If you've blanked off the aux rad check the blanking plugs.

Tell tale sign of coolant leak is that the coolant will leave a green or pink crust on the pipe that is leaking on evapouration.

I've just changed all my pipes too Samco as i had the same problem as you, i've left the undertray off my car for the past week to see if i had any leaks since the change and can report no leaks so far as my coolant level has been steady and no puddle under the car.

Previously to this the aux rad was leaking then the main rad split down the side on my car!

I used this as a guide for replacing the rad: http://www.vagparts.com/s2/rad.htm

Also don't rule out a leaky thermostat pipe ( http://www.s2-audi.co.uk/tech_articl...at_replace.htm )

If no visible leaks, a cold pressure test on the car.

[Bowlerwell]

Thanks Jamo.

How can I cold pressure test the system?

"Can someone tell me the coolant path so I can investigate?
e.g. reservoir -> radiator -> ..... -> ...... -> reservoir"

This would be helpful too...

Thanks,

JohnB

[A80Avant]

im slowly loosing coolant off the 2 valves of the water collector.Need to change both of them...

[220bhp]

My s6 had the same symptom couldent find it at first then it got worse it was coming from the small return pipe on the plastic header tank there is a metel sleave in side to strenghten it but it still came out when hot under pressure not very exspensive I think about £30

[Jeffer]

the o-ring between the waterpump and engine block is also known to disolve

[Bowlerwell]

Tell tale sign of coolant leak is that the coolant will leave a green or pink crust on the pipe that is leaking on evapouration.

Ah, I've found a small amount of green/yellow residue on a hose connection... not sure what it's connected to...

The hose coming out the near side of the main radiator conects in a T fashion to a lager hose. The Left hand side of that hose connects to something towards the engine block... That's the joint wher I found the residue.
What do you reckon... Bust hose? Bust connector?

I guess i'll have to wait till the next leak till I can confirm it.

JB

[Jamo]

Ah, I've found a small amount of green/yellow residue on a hose connection... not sure what it's connected to...

The hose coming out the near side of the main radiator conects in a T fashion to a lager hose. The Left hand side of that hose connects to something towards the engine block... That's the joint wher I found the residue.
What do you reckon... Bust hose? Bust connector?

I guess i'll have to wait till the next leak till I can confirm it.

JB

Which hose?

[Bowlerwell]

I think it's Part No. 6 Jamo, but i'll go out to check after work today.

Could you possibly send me, or post a list of all the parts in the above picture?

Thanks!

JB

[Jamo]

I think it's Part No. 6 Jamo, but i'll go out to check after work today.

Could you possibly send me, or post a list of all the parts in the above picture?

Thanks!

JB

I may be helpful but not THAT helpful!

[Bowlerwell]

sorry... I don't get it.
You not allowed to post them?