Hi all

 

I recently took my 2009 Octavia vrs on a long journey and before this I'd done a usual quick check of the engine etc and found the engine coolant was on the minimum level. Next day it was above the maximum so i decided not to top it up.

 

During the trip the engine coolant level warning light popped up so i pulled over to find there was almost no coolant left in the tank (engine temp has always stayed right in the middle on the dash). I turned the engine off and within seconds the engine coolant returned to the correct level between the min/max indicator.

 

I finished my journey and returned with no further warning and the temp always remained in the middle. I've booked the car into the dealership next week to work out what the problem is but was just wondering if anyone else had this issue before?

 

When i turn the engine off the coolant returns quite quickly so my guess would be an airlock in the system somewhere as there must be some pressure there to do that. Can also hear gurgling from the coolant after starting and stopping the engine.

could you keep your car on idle with the coolant cap off? that way if there was an airlock, it would just go away.

 

57 minutes ago, froggy8 said:

could you keep your car on idle with the coolant cap off? that way if there was an airlock, it would just go away.

 

Yes i tried that and also tried squeezing the pipe from the radiator to try and help it along but it didn't seem to help. Turning off the engine with the cap off also causes the coolant to overflow

that is strange, i cant think why it would do that.

removing the thermostat may help.

3 hours ago, ignoramus said:

removing the thermostat may help.

Why would that help?

the thermostat restricts flow, it might help to shift an air bubble if it temporarily isnt there.  It might not. Try it. 

Do not take the cap on and off, and do not remove the thermostat.

 

There is a pressurised system so do not run with the cap off, the system should bleed via the overflow if required.

Mark the Coolant level when cold and do not go overfilling, and after the car has been run and the coolant and engine is up to temp the coolant level should be returning to the mark when cold. 

Between MIN & MAX.

 

If issues go see a mechanic and do not remove the thermostat.  If it needs a new one or anything else let the mechanic diagnose it for you.

They should be able to pressure test. Check coolant / antifreeze / summer coolant strength.

 

 

Ok so its been a few days since letting the dealership take a look and its been fine so far. Apparently they just forgot to mention that after 20k or so miles the engines can lose coolant due to air gaps so it was just that. Car had a new engine thanks to the chain tensioner issues but that's another story lol.

havent heard that before