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Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: Shady Pioneer on 01 June 2011, 00:01

Title: Coolant loss
Post by: Shady Pioneer on 01 June 2011, 00:01
It's happened twice in about a month now, about a quarter of the coolant bottle left. What are the things I need to look for? Oil isn't white so I believe I can rule out it mixing with oil.
Title: Re: Coolant loss
Post by: Guy on 01 June 2011, 00:09
It's happened twice in about a month now, about a quarter of the coolant bottle left. What are the things I need to look for? Oil isn't white so I believe I can rule out it mixing with oil.

a leak
Title: Re: Coolant loss
Post by: Shady Pioneer on 01 June 2011, 00:11
I had a quick look around and there are no obvious signs of a leak so this is why I ask. I've read abkjt a faulty cap?
Title: Re: Coolant loss
Post by: Guy on 01 June 2011, 00:13
I had a quick look around and there are no obvious signs of a leak so this is why I ask. I've read abkjt a faulty cap?

does you have a blue cap?
Title: Re: Coolant loss
Post by: MK3GTI_16Valve on 01 June 2011, 00:15
Seal could be gone in the cap...dont think their expensive....if ur sure you dont have a leak might be worth trying...could have a slight leak and if it was dripping on a warm pipe would just evaporate off and you wouldnt see any signs of leaks under the car
Title: Re: Coolant loss
Post by: Guy on 01 June 2011, 00:20
whatever you do, don't use radweld or similar to bung up the problem, this will only mask the issue temporarily and fudge up your heater matrix and water pump in the long run

i take it your coolant is still clear?
Title: Re: Coolant loss
Post by: Shady Pioneer on 01 June 2011, 00:38
Black cap ftw. Will investigate further tomorrow and will probably order a new cap from VW if needed. The coolant looks clear yes.
Title: Re: Coolant loss
Post by: Wayne on 01 June 2011, 08:47
Only sure way to find out if you have a leak is to get a garage to do a pressure test.
Title: Re: Coolant loss
Post by: Shady Pioneer on 01 June 2011, 09:42
I think I've found where the leak is coming from. Will post pictures shortly to confirm.
Title: Re: Coolant loss
Post by: trog_nfs on 01 June 2011, 10:47
is it from a flange?  :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Coolant loss
Post by: Shady Pioneer on 01 June 2011, 13:30
I can't upload pics right now, but from the front of the right part of the engine, it is inbetween the third and fourth spark plug. It appear to have been leaking from there.
Title: Re: Coolant loss
Post by: trog_nfs on 01 June 2011, 13:35
Flange o ring is probably knackered. Is it the from where the big bit of plastic with the hoses etc joins with the block shady?
Title: Re: Coolant loss
Post by: Shady Pioneer on 01 June 2011, 14:02
That's it matey. Easy enough to replace?
Title: Re: Coolant loss
Post by: VR6_Wherry on 01 June 2011, 14:08
is it from a flange?  :rolleyes:

Kirk can't make a flange leak!  :lipsrsealed:
Title: Re: Coolant loss
Post by: Wayne on 01 June 2011, 14:09
That's it matey. Easy enough to replace?

Yes piece of cake to replace, parts are cheap from main dealers.
Title: Re: Coolant loss
Post by: trog_nfs on 01 June 2011, 15:46
Had to do mine when I first got the car. Make sure they get you the o- rings and the blanking bit thats associated with it. Might as well change whole lot.

037 121 132 E - flange
357 121 140 - plug
+ N 903 168 02 - seal
032 121 142 - retaining clip
+ 037 121 687 - seal
N 902 809 04 - bolts

That lots off wagenstad, I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong. Otherwise I'll check my invoice when I get home.

Its two bolts and a load of hoseclips Shady, I think even you could manage this one  :grin:

edit: I just checked my invoice, and its all there. Shouldn't come to too much. I changed both my flanges and all the bolts washers etc when I did it and inc VAT its less than £40
Title: Re: Coolant loss
Post by: VR6_Wherry on 01 June 2011, 16:43
Had to do mine when I first got the car. Make sure they get you the o- rings and the blanking bit thats associated with it. Might as well change whole lot.

037 121 132 E - flange
357 121 140 - plug
+ N 903 168 02 - seal
032 121 142 - retaining clip
+ 037 121 687 - seal
N 902 809 01 - bolts

That lots off wagenstad, I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong. Otherwise I'll check my invoice when I get home.

Its two bolts and a load of hoseclips Shady, I think even you could manage this one  :grin:

I wouldn't count on it...  :grin: :kiss:
Title: Re: Coolant loss
Post by: Shady Pioneer on 01 June 2011, 17:28
Thank you trog. I will order the parts tomorrow, btw Jamie, I changed the ignition switch all by myself so I think I can handle this. :grin:
Title: Re: Coolant loss
Post by: Guy on 01 June 2011, 18:16
as trog said.. replace the lot while your there

i did this on both my mk3 and the mk1 when I first got it... well worth doing

you might as well have a bit of a coolant flush and replace with nice pink G12++
Title: Re: Coolant loss
Post by: dom on 01 June 2011, 18:42
is it from a flange?  :rolleyes:

Kirk can't make a flange leak!  :lipsrsealed:

Why has everyone ignored this?? Almost made me spit beer all over my laptop :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Title: Re: Coolant loss
Post by: trog_nfs on 01 June 2011, 18:44
is it from a flange?  :rolleyes:

Kirk can't make a flange leak!  :lipsrsealed:

Why has everyone ignored this?? Almost made me spit beer all over my laptop :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

I must admit, I didn't get it the first time I looked at it  :embarassed:
Title: Re: Coolant loss
Post by: Khare on 01 June 2011, 20:45
Chelsea must be a strong runner then if her flange doesn't leak  :laugh:
Title: Re: Coolant loss
Post by: Wayne on 01 June 2011, 20:48
Thank you trog. I will order the parts tomorrow, btw Jamie, I changed the ignition switch all by myself so I think I can handle this. :grin:

It easy enough to change the part but bleeding the system after can cause problems.