I was losing coolant (covered in a post here http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/279747-coolant-disappeared-but-no-leak/#entry3312495) and the indy VAG specialist replaced a leaky top hose to the radiator and couldn't find any evidence of any other leaks or the dreaded HG failure. They tested the coolant for exhaust gases contamination, and checked the car over but no sign.

 

Anyway, I've noticed that coolant is stil escaping and hitting the floor – little puddles here and there and after three weeks the level is below minimum. It's not a drastic loss but enough to have me panicing as we're driving to the south of France in two weeks time so I need this sorted.

 

Does anyone have any idea where it might be leaking from, or know of any weak spots in the coolant system? I've booked it in to a non-VAG garage because it's nearer to me but I'm wondering if I should go back to the indy VAG specialist that did the hose and test last time?

 

All advice welcome as ever lads and ladettes   

Sorry if you've already checked this, but could it be a stone chip into the cooler itself at the front? I've tried this 2 times in the life of my Superb, where it had to be changed. One time though it was enough to add an additive that seals leakage on the cooling system. I don't remember what it is called. It was very simple though, just had to add a small amount and then drive for 10 mins, then it was all fixed. Lasted for 4 years, then a bigger rock came by... hehe

Sorry if you've already checked this, but could it be a stone chip into the cooler itself at the front? I've tried this 2 times in the life of my Superb, where it had to be changed. One time though it was enough to add an additive that seals leakage on the cooling system. I don't remember what it is called. It was very simple though, just had to add a small amount and then drive for 10 mins, then it was all fixed. Lasted for 4 years, then a bigger rock came by... hehe

 

Thanks for the advice Cown. Just before i noticed the leak the first time I hit a huge unseen hole in the road. I wonder if the bump has knocked another pipe loose somewhere? I can also see a patch of wet on the underside of the car where the fluid's dripping.

 

Do you think the first garage should take a look considering they were supposed to have fixed it last time?

Stating the obvious perhaps, but can you trace the patch of wet back up to where it's coming from?

 

Don't forget your aircon is going to drip this time of year if you're using it - that's perfectly normal condensation.

 

Gaz

Agreed. Taste it. If it's sweet, it's coolant (assuming you have antifreeze in it), if it's just plain water it's condensation from the AC .... or rainwater from that puddle with the dead rat in it.

 

Don't forget your aircon is going to drip this time of year if you're using it - that's perfectly normal condensation.

But I'm actually losing coolant from the reservoir so nothing to do with air con.

Thanks anyway

I can also see a patch of wet on the underside of the car where the fluid's dripping.

 

I was just musing that this wet you can see might be a curved ball and not related to your coolant loss.

 

Gaz

....or rainwater from that puddle with the dead rat in it.

 

Hmm, a rat trained to eat plenum chamber bungs... now there's a thought.....

 

G

i had a similar problem not long ago and it was leaking slowly into the car i believed it was coming from the air con vents for the footwells and i was told it could of been a heater matrix with a hole in which would leak over time. so i simply put some radweld in the resevoir and drove it through and it sealed the leak and havent lost any coolant since