My 2009 tdi has all the traits of head gasket failure, except there is no water in the oil, there are no hydrocarbons in the coolant, and this loss is sudden and unpredictable, hydraulicing the engine. Once topped up and cranked until it goes, it runs fine apart from the exhaust steam, which vanishes in 10 mins, and all is well until the next time, any suggestions? It only happens when cold. 

To " @Cab2john " - I am not so sure but check the water pump for leakings. Sometimes they are a little ones, I mean only few drops when cold..

Not long had it replaced, there is no evidence of leaks, just sudden water loss into the combustion Chambers, might be a cracked head in the inlet ports or inlet manifold (if it has a water pipe in it) as the engine starts normally runs for about 3 seconds, then misfires and stops, then unable to crank. I keep kicking the starter in until the water is released it then runs OK, plus loads of steam for 10 mins. 

It's strange there is a delay ( 3 seconds ) between starting & the engine hydraulicing.

 

It sounds like the water is being pushed into the inlet from elsewhere.

 

The only thing I can think of is from the water cooler in the EGR valve ( a leak from the cooler into the EGR ).

 

You could blank off the EGR & see if it still happens, but it will put the engine into limp mode with the EGR disabled.

Edited 17 December, 20196 yr by PipH

Got the egr cooler replaced, water loss and hydraulicing stopped 😃

Pleased it was as I suggested.

 

A lot cheaper than a new head gasket or head.😊