golf mk 2 coolant problem

[ianrlangley]

hiya, i have a problem with my mk2 golf gti 16v, it seems to be using loads of coolant! any ideas why?

i have looked at the coolant bottle and its not leaking there or on the pipe?

the engine is a 91 spec 1.8 16v gti if this helps.

[hagis]

Have you checked your oil filler cap for mayonnaise?

[ianrlangley]

ye there;s no mayo in there

[Crasher]

Water pumps often leak as do they metal water transfer pipes that run around the engine. On a car of that age, there are a dozen places it could be going. Do you get steam out of the heater?

[CAPACITOR]

You should check for leaks at

Waterpump
core plugs
all hoses including jubilee clips
radiator

use a pressure tester to check with the coolant system at the correct level.

[ianrlangley]

just an update, i have sourced the leak to the radiator pipes (upper and lower on the left) and noticed white stuff (coolent i imagine dried up) around the coolant bottle.


would you say it is just the pipes that need replacing or the whole radiator? or is something majorly wrong??

i have tightened the clips up arou

also there is no steam coming from the engine the car works fine (touch wood)

thanks for all your help so far !

[Benignus]

Have you tried a new coolant cap?

[yellow-160]

I had to replace both engine block flanges on my 89 gti as they were cracked, didnt leak much but got sick of topping up water and it made a hell of a mess to engine bay!! for the £15 it cost for the pair its money well spent!

[Smutts]

Nightmare scenario is the core plug that hides inside the bell housing. Drop gearbox for a 20 pence coreplug. ARGH!

[Crasher]

The two core plugs behind the clutch are for the main oil gallery and the intermediate shaft bearing bore and they have nothing to do with the coolant.

[Smutts]

Ah! I've learn't something else today, first impressions and all that!:o