water problems

[Dave Alexander]

Hi Friends,

Its Dave again with my 1989 Audi 100 type chassis. Unusual water problem?
If I ensure the water is topped up before a long trip (250 Kms ) it does not use any water. On short trips around town I have to top up the water every two weeks. ( About 2 cups .) However sometimes on a long trip I can only go about 30 Kms and the warning light comes on, and I have a very hot engine. If I then wait until the engine is cool and then top it up again I can travel many Kms without any more water problems. It seems to be an intermittent problem?
I know this is not a serious problem but I wonder why this should be. I always use anti-freeze as its supposed to lubricate and keep water cooler in summer. The temperature gauge indicates about 90 degrees "C" when hot.
I do not want to add "Radiator leak" as I don not believe it is the radiator. I somehow feel it may be a water valve problem?

Thank you for your comments and suggestions!

Regards,

Dave

[micheal balbrig]

Hi Friends,

Its Dave again with my 1989 Audi 100 type chassis. Unusual water problem?
If I ensure the water is topped up before a long trip (250 Kms ) it does not use any water. On short trips around town I have to top up the water every two weeks. ( About 2 cups .) However sometimes on a long trip I can only go about 30 Kms and the warning light comes on, and I have a very hot engine. If I then wait until the engine is cool and then top it up again I can travel many Kms without any more water problems. It seems to be an intermittent problem?
I know this is not a serious problem but I wonder why this should be. I always use anti-freeze as its supposed to lubricate and keep water cooler in summer. The temperature gauge indicates about 90 degrees "C" when hot.
I do not want to add "Radiator leak" as I don not believe it is the radiator. I somehow feel it may be a water valve problem?

Thank you for your comments and suggestions!



Regards,

Dave

Two possible points where water leaks develop are the plastic type water connectors that are bolted to cylinderhead,only cure when these leak is replacement. The water pump can also develop intermittent water leak
If the engine tray is still fitted it is difficult to determine leaks as the water
evaporates from the connectors on a hot engine. I find it is easier to locate water leaks on a cold engine. The fact that sometimes you only get 30 kms
before problems may point to faulty thermostat. try the simple things first

[Alan02]

Try removing the undertray after a run and laying cardboard down and see if over time a leask appears.I have known water pumps to only leak once the system pressure drops,but also,as mentioned,an `o` ring or hose could be leaking too.

[Dave Alexander]

Many thanks ALAN02. I will check these things this week end and let you know what I find.

Regards,

Dave.

[Dave Alexander]

Many thanks Micheal, I will check these things out this weekend which happens to be a long weekend. I will let you both know what I find.

Kind regards,
Dave.

[sabbottage]

Hello Dave
Had a similar problem many years ago on a turbo diesel passat. Turned out to be a loose impeller on the waterpump. Long motorway trips no probs.......round town overheated.
Just a thought!
cheers steve