I've just had a 230 mile wagon ride home from holiday. 1.9 tdi 110bhp octavia, I think I hit a lump of rubber on the motorway which hit the underside of the car. Shortly after, I stopped in some services. When I left after 30 mins there was no leak on the floor, but the coolant level warning flashed up. I topped up, and went on my way carefully. 100 miles later, I stopped with no issues. 40 miles later though, the coolant light came on flashing again. It DIDNT OVERHEAT AT ALL, even in heavy, unavoidable traffic with the light on. Topped up when I got to my destination, then was fine next day. Til that night, I parked it (still not overheating at all, bang on 90 as always) but 45 mins later it refused to turn over. I check coolant, it's all gone. Oil level is RIGHT up. Next morning though, it actually starts (10 seconds til I turn it off, I don't want to run it on coolant...).

No oil visible in coolant bottle (it's orange/ pink) no overheating at all ever, and I've managed to suck some fluid from the bottom of the sump. It's clean pink coolant. No mayo anywhere.

I'm thinking it's either oil cooler (£100 all in) or head gasket (£1000 all in, with cam belt and pump).

How can I check the oil cooler for damage ? Is there anything visible?

I had the same symptoms with my 1.9tdi 110 ASV it was the head gasket that had failed between cylinder 2&3 into the water way. I never had any coolant in my sump though. Cost me £180 for the parts but then my nephew works for VW and did it free for me.

Edited 17 September, 20169 yr by Guest

Thanks. It ran really smoothly for that ten seconds I risked it. And it's got LOADS of coolant in the sump. Like the oil is 35mm higher up the dip stick.

Look at the distance between the marks on the dipstick; that is 1l.

 

Having said which, from the rest of what you've said I'm fairly sure you've got the right diagnoses.

In which case it's got 2-3 litres of coolant in the oil. The car is scrap, unless anyone wants it to break. Won't turn over still.

In which case it's got 2-3 litres of coolant in the oil. The car is scrap, unless anyone wants it to break. Won't turn over still.

In that case it needs a new block and head for sure. Once that's done it should keep going for another decade or more.

Thanks. I'm trying to sell the car as is, but I'm also considering getting a whole engine from a breakers. If one exists.

Plenty of ASV engines throughout the Vag range will fit.