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Model specific boards => Golf mk5 => Topic started by: Skidzilla on 24 April 2008, 15:16

Title: Mystery leak Update!
Post by: Skidzilla on 24 April 2008, 15:16
Posted a while ago that I had a mystery leak. It was intermitant, definately not engine oil, brake fluid or condensation from the ac. The liquid did however have an oily consistancy albeit a very thin one.
I eventually managed to catch a very small sample of the liquid and took it into Parkway Derby. After inspection they suggested it was coolant?
Now I'm no expert but surely coolant is water based and not an oily consistancy. Or is it?

I've got it booked in on Friday to check it out, but could what they are saying be true or are they pulling my pl**ker?
 :undecided:
Title: Re: Mystery leak Update!
Post by: 182_blue on 24 April 2008, 15:53
 i think if they were trying to fob you off they would say it was just rain water, at least they acknowledge its a fault and will have a look for you
Title: Re: Mystery leak Update!
Post by: Cass on 24 April 2008, 20:43
Hope it's not the coolant - if it has oil in it, could be bad news - could mean oil leaching from engine into the coolant :shocked:

Have you checked both oil and coolant to see if there is any visible contamination in either ? Look for frothing under oil filler cap and greyish gunge in radiator expansion tank. Dealer should be able to take samples for analysis - as if :grin: Also what about power steering fluid (usually pinkish colour ?)

Where exactly was the fluid leaking from under the car ?

Might be worth getting it jacked up, cleaning everything down and trying to identify the spot where it's coming from. May mean not driving the car for a few days but probably worth it. Never heard much of porous VW engines but it has been a common fault in Porsche (early 996 and Boxster) and BMW's.

Not trying too be alarmist, but I'd want this sorted asap :shocked:

Good luck and let's know the outcome.

Cass
Title: Re: Mystery leak Update!
Post by: Skidzilla on 26 April 2008, 19:47
The coolant housing  at the back of the engine has a minor leak. Replacement part is fairly cheap but 2.5 hours labour to fit due to access. Looking at £260.
Didn't get any explanation as to why this has happened and what the consequences are or could be??

As the car is just out of warranty I've taken out a Warranty Direct Extended Warranty, guess what? It's not covered :angry:

Not sure what to do now?

Could do without spending £260 right now, but don't want further problems.
Title: Re: Mystery leak Update!
Post by: CHRIS-M07GTI on 27 April 2008, 00:46
Hi mate,

You dont need to automatically take it to VW,source the part yourself and check a few company's out in your area to fit,you will get a better price than vw i can assure you,and prob with a well established local,a much better job.

Chris.
Title: Re: Mystery leak Update!
Post by: Cass on 27 April 2008, 00:49
Obviously needs to be done sooner or later - main dealer repair is warranted for 12 months so I'd personally go for that. Good to hear it's nothing more than a coolant leak. How about asking the dealer to see if VW will do something on a goodwill basis - it isn't a routine fault AFAIK.

A minor coolant leak isn't that serious but it could result in the engine overheating. If left, you'd be constantly having to keep an eye on it and topping it up.  

Cass