a few issues with my 8v, advice needed : )

[lints]

cheers for the advise

i'll check that area for a crack tomorrow when it's light. all these little niggles are getting anoying now so im trying to get them all sorted out once and for all

[RICK.G.]

Also check your pressure cap m8 the O ring was non existent on my lads one not uncommon I've been told, and your other proble sounds like a vacumn fault hads this on other makes

[bishthefish]

yes, coolant caps cause a lot of grief and are always overlooked !!!

[piggy]

With my G(ro)Ti 1988 8v I had the same problem with the coolant slowly going down. Changed a few things including the coolant cap, but found a small amount of water around the base of the cap
Eventually changed the water/anti freeze putting in the correct ratio as recommended by Haynes and it seems to have worked
Think it was to do with it boiling slightly and the extra anti freeze raised the boiling point. Too many water only top ups

[Gambit]

you will be able to see any water leaks as there will be a white residue where it leaks

also, get a replacment coolant cap from VAG - they are only ?7 and work better than the GSF item that id originally purchased to replace it