boab 0 Posted August 7, 2004 my car is pissin out all the coolant and water that is supposed to be goin in my radiator. there is a very slow drip coming from the car, but i cant see from where!! but when i open the cap for me topup the fluid for the radiator it flows out very fast from under the car, what is this?? is it the radiator or the pipes or what?? i havent got a clue!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
STORM 2 0 Posted August 7, 2004 there is a plastic plug (pretty pathetic one) than screws into the underside of the radiator coolant system - it is unscrewed to drain the system - As I say its only made of weedy plastic and can corrode with the high water temps so check this first Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
boab 0 Posted August 7, 2004 you think that could be the problem, it seems when i open cap the air is pushin it right out, is this easy to replace by myself? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
STORM 2 0 Posted August 7, 2004 when the expansion tank cap is closed tight the system is sealed (the cap mechanism ensures this) and so any leak will be small as there is less air pressure "pushing" the coolant out. This does not, however, localise the leak, but I woulld still check the drainage plug first and then have a good look under the car if this is not the problem. Keep an eye on the water temp if youre still driving it though :) :) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Henny 0 Posted August 8, 2004 there is a plastic plug (pretty pathetic one) than screws into the underside of the radiator coolant system - it is unscrewed to drain the system - As I say its only made of weedy plastic and can corrode with the high water temps so check this first not on a 1.8 16V there isn't.... there is no drain plug on one of these.... :| bob1888cfc, you'll probably find that the leak is from one of 4 common leak points on these engines.... 1) the plastic flange on the right hand side of the head as you look at it from the front bumper... it'll leak from around the base and leave a stain (roughly the colour of your coolant, or white depending on your coolant) around the lower part of the flange... 2) the plastic flange on the front of the head between plugs 3 and 4.... again leak will be below and onto the block and look like the description above... 3) the metal water pipe which runs around the outside of the block and over the gearbox.... this corrodes and leaks in quite a few different places.... have a close look for any points it looks badly rusted.... 4) the thermostat housing... this will leak under the engine to the left of the block as you look at it from the front of the engine... it's not too difficult to replace, but you may as well do the thermostat while you're there as it lives in that housing so there's no place in changing the housing without putting in a sub £10 thermostat! ;) None of the flanges cost more than £10 from Euro or GSF and are readily available... if it's the front one, it's as well to change the coolant temp senders and O rings too while you're in there... 8) The metal pipe is the most expensive fix at about £30 from VAG... it's a bit of a pig to fit, but can be done by most home mechanics with a little swearing and a few skinned knuckles! ;) :lol: Good luck! 8) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
STORM 2 0 Posted August 8, 2004 there is a plastic plug (pretty pathetic one) than screws into the underside of the radiator coolant system - it is unscrewed to drain the system - As I say its only made of weedy plastic and can corrode with the high water temps so check this first not on a 1.8 16V there isn't.... there is no drain plug on one of these.... :| Oops :oops: :oops: didn't notice which car he had..sorry Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Henny 0 Posted August 8, 2004 's alright matey... 8) 'twas good vaild info if it were a VR6 that I couldn't have given... :) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
