I have noticed a very slow leak of coolant which triggers the low coolant alert every 1000 to 2000km. There is no visible leak but the coolant in the reservoir has turned black and smells of exhaust. The car otherwise performs perfectly.

 

What could cause this and does this indicate a more serious problem? 

Black coolant is usually a sign of oil contamination, so it could be an oil cooler or similar.

I would get it checked ASAP, oil in water/water in oil is not going to end well.

 

It used to be a common thing on the Vauxhall 1.3 engines, I had to change a few engines where people had left it or not noticed.

@MATT0693 Thanks for the prompt answer.

I've since had a chat since with the local Skoda mechanic and it seems that any solution will involve removing the head or replacing the entire engine. Since I live in Norway, anything to do with cars is horrendously expensive. He did also say that the problem is not urgent as the amount of coolant being consumed is very small. Our plan is bear with it and watch carefully (no major drives) and replace the engine early next year. The cost of replacing the head gasket and exhaust cooler value in parts and labour is the same as re-conditioned engine.

 

I'm really starting to lust after the new electric Enyaq. It just costs quite a few coins though not as much as a Tesla!

^value = valve

23 minutes ago, Kim6 said:

^value = valve

The ellipsis "..." top right of your posts offers a chance to edit them for 1 hour fro time of posting.

11 minutes ago, Kim6 said:

@MATT0693 Thanks for the prompt answer.

I've since had a chat since with the local Skoda mechanic and it seems that any solution will involve removing the head or replacing the entire engine. Since I live in Norway, anything to do with cars is horrendously expensive. He did also say that the problem is not urgent as the amount of coolant being consumed is very small. Our plan is bear with it and watch carefully (no major drives) and replace the engine early next year. The cost of replacing the head gasket and exhaust cooler value in parts and labour is the same as re-conditioned engine.

 

I'm really starting to lust after the new electric Enyaq. It just costs quite a few coins though not as much as a Tesla!

 

I guess it depends on your actual issue, if your coolant leak is external such as a hose, pump or radiator... the engine doesn't need to be stripped down.

It would be the same if it was the oil cooler causing your issue, it is just a 'bolt-on' item that can be swapped in a few hours.

 

If the issue is down to a head gasket or cracked head for example, then yes, it will need to be stripped/replaced.. some simple tests will determine the issue.

It is a bit of gamble using the vehicle, oil in the water will reduce the coolant system efficiency... water in the oil will reduce the lubricating properties of the oil so bearings/turbos etc will start to wear quickly.

 

An electric Enyaq is a good choice, much cheaper than a Tesla... better looking too!

 

 

 

We are going into a Norwegian winter so overheating is not too much of a problem. It looks like an internal leak since there are no pink puddles under the car and leakage is extremely slow. My biggest decision is whether to sell the car as is (with full disclosure) at a greatly reduced price or fix it and get a better price. The car is low kms and was clearly looked after by first and previous owner and we've tried to do same. It has a lot factory add-ons and also a set of external xenon lights. He lived in 'elk country' so it was handy. Unexpectedly wearing a 400kg elk at night is not a good thing...