A3 Coolant problems - New heater core perhaps?

[Lulabelle]

I have a 2004 A3 2.0 TDI that just started losing coolant at the rate of 500ml per week. I have had it checked by my local garage twice, pressure checked, etc and they say they cannot find any reason for the leak and admit they are a bit puzzled by it.

I went out in the car last night and as it was v cold out I turned the climate control up to 24 degrees and switched the vents to full tilt to blast a bit of warm air into the cabin, I noticed a faint anti-freeze whiff in the air and it has now occured to me that the heater core may have a slight leak.

Does anyone know how much it costs to replace the heater core?

[Mike Foster]

I think you need to take it to a VAG specialist first.

Not trying to panic you but the early BKD engine has a reputation of having a porous cylinder head.

Have you noticed any damp in the footwells ? That would indicate possible heater problems.

[Lulabelle]

I have not taken it VAG specialist yet, that's my next move I think. Am considering chopping it in for a golf as I don't want to throw heaps of cash at a car that's getting on a bit in years. A porous cylinder head sounds like a very expensive job. How easy is it to diagnose?

[Mike Foster]

One sign is a fair amount of white smoke from the exhaust.

I'm not able to comment on diagnosis types but I think VAG specialists have some sort of method of testing.

[Lulabelle]

Its not blowing loads of white smoke out the exhaust. I shall take it to specialist as advise, thanks for the advice.