Hi guys and gals, I’m new to the forum. I’ve got a 51 plate Octavia VRS Mk1 hatchback and it’s using about 1 litre of water every two days. There was one time I found a puddle under it but that was only because I jacked it up to change the oil and I thought it was just rain water coming out of an area it was trapped and only came out when I jacked it at an angle. But I don’t seem to find puddles other times. It smells of antifreeze only once it’s lost a bit of water after a 20 min drive or so. I can’t see any damage to the radiator from what I can see. Does anyone have any advice ? Is it a common issue ? I.e head gasket ? Water pump ? 
Thanks in Advance 

Russell 

I would fill it up, jack the car up and get underneath and start looking for leaks. Thermostat is known to leak if the casing has warped, also water pump is known too if it hasn’t been changed. But I would get underneath with a torch and look, also take the engine covers off and look around at the top too.

check the oil filler cap for "mayonaisse" too - that would indicate not good news.

 

id wager the water pump though tbh. 

or a spilt pipe somewhere you cant see.

Also check the plastic pipe housing that the temp sender is mounted in as they are known to leak in time.

 

Having said that, a litre over 2 days is a fair old leak, and should as has been said above, be fairly visible.

 

I take it you have not got any large amounts of white smoke when the engine is warm?.

 

My money would also be on the water pump, but you need to do your checks first.

 

Where does the puddle form in relation to the centre line of the car?, to the drivers or passenger side?. Is the gearbox wet at the bottom with fluid?.

 

 

Edited 11 July, 20205 yr by kentphil1

Found the leak ! It’s from around the thermostat housing area. I found a little puddle on top of the gearbox and then that’s when i spotted the dried spray of antifreeze  I’ll take it to work tomorrow and strip it down and order the new bits. I work in a Bodyshop so no biggie. Thanks for the help 

3 hours ago, RUSSMK1VRS said:

Found the leak ! It’s from around the thermostat housing area. I found a little puddle on top of the gearbox and then that’s when i spotted the dried spray of antifreeze  I’ll take it to work tomorrow and strip it down and order the new bits. I work in a Bodyshop so no biggie. Thanks for the help 

Wasn’t a bad guess. 😂

 

Over time these warp due to heat cycles, get a replacement from TPS or Skoda and not a copy, along with a new oring. Oh, and you may as well replace the thermostat too while you are there.👍🏻

Edited 12 July, 20205 yr by DeanVRS20VT

Use a 1/4 inch wobble bar extension if you have one, it makes the job so much easier. especially if all the sai and associated pipework is still there.

23 hours ago, DeanVRS20VT said:

Wasn’t a bad guess. 😂

 

Over time these warp due to heat cycles, get a replacement from TPS or Skoda and not a copy, along with a new oring. Oh, and you may as well replace the thermostat too while you are there.👍🏻

Yeah got one coming from TPS tomorrow morning £18  can’t complain.