coolant loss 2.0tdi

[davidlandy]

I am loosing coolant from my 2005 2.0tdi avant and am trying to determine why.

the car uses the max to min volume over about 150 miles, it doesnt over heat and always runs at normal temp, theres no mayoniase on the inside of the oil filler cap, theres no sign of any oil in the water nor any strange exhaust fumes. Also when i undo the expansion tank cap theres always a little normal pressure there but nothing excessive.

I cant see any leaks anywhere but it could be that the amount leaking isnt sufficient to leave a decent puddle as evidence or I just cant see it!!.

Any one got any ideas as to where to look as a process of elimination as I dont want to assume it the headgasket.

Was even thinking of putting some radweld of similar in but to be honest I dont like that kinda of stuff and would rather have the leak sorted properly.

many thanks guys

[a8 tech]

Run to normal temp

connect coolant pressure tester

pressurise to 1 bar

leave for 24 hours

if the level has dropped and the engine starts up with white smoke or lumpy idle then repeat test with exhaust manifold removed

check for signs of coolant via exhaust ports

if coolant present replace the head

or pressure test the egr cooler

[davidlandy]

many thanks for the reply

are duff heads a common thing then or is it more likely to be the egr cooler as I have heard this item mentioned before?

[dufferum]

Have you sorted this problem yet?

[davidlandy]

yes its all sorted

it was a crack in the head in no3 exhaust valve area. It was dumping coolant into exhaust post burn.

[dufferum]

Ouch! I have had similar symptoms for the past 4 months since l purchased the car, although,
it has only been using 1 litre for evey 1000 miles..how much was a new head?

[davidlandy]

hi

the head all built up was about £900 i think - ouch eh!
but all done and touch wood problem gone away.
mine used more than a litre every 1000miles, it was a min to max volume in about 150 miles.