GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Golf mk3 how to guides + info => Topic started by: Callum_K on 25 August 2012, 13:17
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I have a Mk3 8 valve GTI, and during the 150 mile drive to the in laws last night the water temp/ level light came on and would not extinguish. The temperature dial did not move over 90 at any point so I carried on.
Checked coolant level this morning and was pretty low.
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c108/calistheman/IMAG0207.jpg)
Fearing the worst I checked the oil filler cap and dip stick and to my relief, no mayo. :)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c108/calistheman/IMAG0208.jpg)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c108/calistheman/IMAG0209.jpg)
Then I noticed some fluid around the head, it was wet and as you can see obviously pink and therefore coolant.
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c108/calistheman/IMAG0206.jpg)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c108/calistheman/IMAG0003.jpg)
I think its coming from this plastic thing that connects to the head, and running down the block.
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c108/calistheman/IMAG0205.jpg)
I'm not amazingly mechanically minded but I'm guessing all the evidence suggests a leaky seal rather than a headgasket problem? And is it a cheap ans easy part to replace?
Thanks for your anticipated help and reassurance!
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Just as a precaution because your light came on and the car never went above 90 I would change the temp sensor. My old 8v never went above 90 and the head gasket had gone. Faulty temp sensor was a problem and cost about 9 quid from GSF.
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Mate, all you need it the coolant hose flange and the seal for it. In my experience it's not much point replacing only the seal. The flange deteriorates over time and becomes brittle which is why even replacing just the seal does not help for long.
You'll need 037121132E as well as a blanking plug, O-ring and clip for the plug as it's got two apertures for temp sensors whereas your's got only one, part number 357121140S. If you need one I got a new one lying around (fitted to my car just before I scrapped it, but removed since it was new), just send me a PM or email.
Temp sensor does not need to be replaced if it is not always stuck on 90 right from when you turn the ignition on, just measure it through the temp range with a multimeter.
(http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/8726/tempsensoronaam.jpg)
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I might just be missing something but I don't seem to be able to send PMs. I have ordered the flange from GSF, didn't realise I needed a blanking plug. Going to enquire with VW about getting one otherwise I will have that off you.
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you need 1 more post before you can send pms mate
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GSF also have the blanking plug, clip and o-ring. They should be able to find that for you when you pick it up.
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Thanks got all the parts now, just need to fit them!
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Update on this, I have replaced both the front and side coolant flanges and I'm still losing coolant, but no idea where from! No signs of a leak and the system is holding pressure. Don't know where to go from here!
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Is the thermostat housing not leaking? Or the water pump not leaking between itself and the block?
Feel the interior carpets at the front, are they damp at all?
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Look down the front of the engine on the side where all the belts are.
Under the alternator you got the water pump, below that is the power steering pump.
The p/s pump is mounted on the block with a bracket, now look on that bracket. Any coolant there? If yes most likely thermostat housing...
If you want I got a water pump including thermostat, flange, pulley etc sitting around. I have bought it from GSF car parts and fitted it to my old Golf, well 2 weeks after fitting suspension gave in and it had done well over 200,000 miles and had rust issues I scrapped the car. Got receipt for it somewhere still as well.
I would be happy to get rid of it complete for a reasonable price.
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Oh and pipe clamps, are you using original ones or replacement ones? the original ones tend to leak and not hold pressure too well after years.
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Pipes and clamps are original but show no signs of any leak. Will take a look at the thermostat housing when it's not raining outside. It's strange because it will lose a whole expansion tanks worth in a couple of hours running but then be fine :s Coolant temp stable at 90, oil temp fine. Have ordered a new expansion cap incase its not venting correctly and over pressurising?
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Have the engine running, preferably when the engine is cold and it's dry outside, squeeze any of the main water pipes and check for leaks, the reason I say when the engine is cold is so that the thermostat stays closed and will allow a little more pressure buildup around that area, also making it easier to see if there is a leak from that area. And not to mention, you won't fancy squeezing a hot water pipe.
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Quick easy question for someone! Does the expansion cap on your Mk3 have some kind of seal/oring? Mine doesn't, but neither did the new one I got from VW....asked them and they weren't sure :s
Car is still driving fine with no coolant in expansion tank and apparently not losing any more!?
Anyway have ordered a new tank, thermostat housing, and a selection of jubilee clips to replace all standard clamps.
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Well mine has no seal on it.
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just had a quick read of your thread and i might have missed it but i can't believe the thermostat housing hasn't been mentioned !
yes we all know that the black unit on the front of the engine where your leak is coming doesnt actualy house the termostat but thats what VW call it ! , anyways it gets brittle over time and where the two 10mm nuts are the housing cracks due to heat and stress causing your leak .
so change the thermostat housing . and you will need the blank aswell as the new ones have two sensor holes so one part fits all models . cost saving . will come with a new seal aswell and have your self pleanty of coolant to top up and bleed system .
sorry if that has been mentioned / you have solved the leak !
just read it all again and seen someone had said the above but as ive typed it now it can stay :whistle:
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I have replaced that part, it was the first thing I did, however that just exposed a weakness in other parts of the system. Replaced the flange on the side of the head too, and still have a leak. I have a new expansion tank and cap to fit tomorrow so we will see how that fairs.
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Wahey located another leak! Seems to be from the left hand side of the engine, beneath the alternator, so guessing waterpump or possibly thermostat housing? Didn't get a proper look and won't do til the weekend. Need to get this sorted though as it's costing me a fortune in antifreeze!
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Probably leaking between the waterpump and block.
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Probably leaking between the waterpump and block.
I'm hoping its just the thermostat housing but I will take a closer look tomorrow!