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Model specific boards => Golf mk4 => Topic started by: vwgolfv5 on 08 March 2015, 15:10

Title: Coolant leak
Post by: vwgolfv5 on 08 March 2015, 15:10
I have a very annoying water coolant leak. There are no visible signs from where the leak is and my oil is clear of all signs from a head gasket.
When I had my anti freeze replaced a few months back, I asked the mechanic to give it a quick once over and he too could not see any signs of a leak.
But yet, at least once a week, my warning bleeper tells me that the expansion tank has dropped below the sensor and I have to top it up.

So, where is the water going ? and how can I fix it ?
Title: Re: Coolant leak
Post by: viperjsy on 08 March 2015, 22:33
try changing the expansion tank my dash light came on and it was the tank that needed replacing
Title: Re: Coolant leak
Post by: hardmonkeys on 08 March 2015, 22:41
On my mk4 it was the radiator that was leaking..very slowly.

Replaced,and all was ok
Title: Re: Coolant leak
Post by: vwgolfv5 on 09 March 2015, 16:46
Thanks guys.
I will triple check the radiator. I don't think it is the expansion tank, it is too clean around that area, no signs at all of any leaks.
Title: Re: Coolant leak
Post by: Dalo Harkin on 10 March 2015, 13:27
If there are no physical signs of a leak anywhere then it must be being burnt in the engine.
if there is no powdery white/pink (depending on colour of antifreeze) anywhere then it must be being burnt
Title: Re: Coolant leak
Post by: WadGTI on 10 March 2015, 17:06
Might be worthwhile letting idle at 90 for 15 mins or so, check for any leaks, give a wee rev now and then, move the car and see if there is any leakage.

Title: Re: Coolant leak
Post by: barrym381 on 10 March 2015, 18:54
Might be worthwhile letting idle at 90 for 15 mins or so, check for any leaks, give a wee rev now and then, move the car and see if there is any leakage.
what good will this do  :whistle:
Title: Re: Coolant leak
Post by: james2 on 10 March 2015, 20:20
Might be worthwhile letting idle at 90 for 15 mins or so, check for any leaks, give a wee rev now and then, move the car and see if there is any leakage.
This ^
Mine has had 3 pin hole leaks on the same metal pipe, it would only leak when the engine was hot. Also turn it off once its at 90 and remove the coolant bottle top (slowly). Should help it leak faster. 
Title: Re: Coolant leak
Post by: WadGTI on 11 March 2015, 10:32
Might be worthwhile letting idle at 90 for 15 mins or so, check for any leaks, give a wee rev now and then, move the car and see if there is any leakage.
what good will this do  :whistle:

Its a better suggestion than the one you provided to the op  :whistle:

And to answer your question Barry, I had a toyota , few years back, it had pin hole leak at the top of the rad on the hot liquid entry side which only really became visable when a) the stat opened fully taking the coolant bypass out of the equation and the coolant temp was up to 90 b, the water pump was turning higher that the idle tick over.

it might be a stupid suggestion in your view, but any suggestion is better than none in my view!

Title: Re: Coolant leak
Post by: barrym381 on 11 March 2015, 21:02
Might be worthwhile letting idle at 90 for 15 mins or so, check for any leaks, give a wee rev now and then, move the car and see if there is any leakage.
what good will this do  :whistle:

Its a better suggestion than the one you provided to the op  :whistle:

And to answer your question Barry, I had a toyota , few years back, it had pin hole leak at the top of the rad on the hot liquid entry side which only really became visable when a) the stat opened fully taking the coolant bypass out of the equation and the coolant temp was up to 90 b, the water pump was turning higher that the idle tick over.

it might be a stupid suggestion in your view, but any suggestion is better than none in my view!
oh how exciting you had a Toyota once   :whistle: and if its taking a week for the coolant to drop below the sensor level I cant see 15mins making much difference
Title: Re: Coolant leak
Post by: Wazzzer on 11 March 2015, 21:16
now now children play nicely or I'll take your toys away...
Title: Re: Coolant leak
Post by: barrym381 on 11 March 2015, 21:20
now now children play nicely or I'll take your toys away...
what ever happened to the help and sarcasm  :grin: :grin:
Title: Re: Coolant leak
Post by: Wazzzer on 11 March 2015, 22:18
it's all borderline sarcasm and you know it :wink: