2.0 sdi coolant loss

[mbev51]

Hi
thought I had a brill car, just topped up my coolant with 1 litre of water mix after three weeks of doing the same. No obviuus signs of water leak, will have a thorough look when I get the time. Its an august 2005 registered car with 135k and the engine code is bdk. I have searched and read the threads on coolant loss and realise the worst case senario is a cracked head. I will check as thoroughly as I can for easy solutions. Any thoghts on the subject. Around how much is a new head, can the head not be welded or is it internal? Thanks

[mbev51]

Hi
I think I have found the leak, its from the elbow down on the n/s bottom corner of the radiator. Have ordered the parts, an O ring and a clip, hopefully that will sort it.

[onzarob]

If it not that, the MK5 is prone to go through radiators. I've changed mine, My neighbour has changed his, Rickt a mod on here. Radiator costs about £80 and is a little tricky yo change ;)

[mbev51]

hi
thanks for the reply. It might at the end of the day be a radiator leak rather than getting past an O ring. I will replace with the parts I have ordered and see. Radiators seem reasonably priced so if there is any doubt I will bang one in.

[mbev51]

hi
just had another look this time with the lamp and it does look like its the radiator. Will get and fit one asap.

[onzarob]

if you changing the rad get some 10mm threaded bar, as the front bumper assembly come forward so you can get at the radiator behind. I found Haynes manual very useful.

[mbev51]

Hi
just finished the job today. Rain didn't help. Not a particularly easy job to do for the first time. Fitted a new valeo radiator. Good tip about the 10 mm threaded bar.

[onzarob]

Good tip about the 10 mm threaded bar.

No problem,I fitted a valeo radiator too. very good fit and I've done 5+k since i change it :)

keep an I on fluid level as it takes a few runs for all the air to finally bubble up ;)

[mbev51]

hi
thanks for all the replies, they have been very helpfull.