Coolant Leak!

[chrisvrscrx]

I have a coolant leak in my 130 tdi, After a big serch I have found it coming from the o/s, It only really is a small leak, I have to top it up every two weeks.

Should I put radweld in or get a new radiator?

Thank you plesae!

[Lex Luthor]

The only thing I would put in the coolant is G12+
Put a new rad on then you know its good.
That's an early failure for the rad. Both the ones I replaces lasted over 120K and 6 years.
Is it the usual failure at the plastic\metal joint ?

[chrisvrscrx]

The only thing I would put in the coolant is G12+
Put a new rad on then you know its good.
That's an early failure for the rad. Both the ones I replaces lasted over 120K and 6 years.
Is it the usual failure at the plastic\metal joint ?

I can't really tell the leak is at the extreame left of the radiator as you look at it, so i asume it is the plastic/metal joint.

I read a thread a while ago saying it was quite common even for 'young' low millage cars. I'll try and find it, the bloke said his mate told him who is a VW tech.
But as my luck is going lately its no surprise to me.

[sherlockuk]

I have a slow leak as well, but have not seen it on the rad yet.. But then again I have not had a 'propper' look, I need to take the bumbper off to do this. How difficult is it to take it off? And are there any things I need to watch for when taking it off? Like sensors? Oh and I have headlamp washers, so I suppose they will hinder my pogress..

Just don't want to break anything that will cost a bomb at the ********

[Diesel]

The heater matrix is a very common problem with passats. Mine was leaking,its location is at the very back of the engine compartment and the part cost is £20. ( its actually the rubber sealing ring inside the hose)

[chrisvrscrx]

I have a slow leak as well, but have not seen it on the rad yet.. But then again I have not had a 'propper' look, I need to take the bumbper off to do this. How difficult is it to take it off? And are there any things I need to watch for when taking it off? Like sensors? Oh and I have headlamp washers, so I suppose they will hinder my pogress..

Just don't want to break anything that will cost a bomb at the ********

The bumper is fairly easy to take off (although I have never taken one off fitted with washers) There is about 5 screws in each wheel arch a couple on the top of the bumper, take the grille off then there is a few more and I thing some underneth. Then it simply slides off. Getting it on is the reverse but I would advise you got some help because it is a bit tricky lining it back up on your own it can be done but just fiddley.

This is where is found the leak's origin, I knew is was losing coolant but couldn't find where from. I was changing my cambelt so I had all the front of the car off. Only then did the leak become apparrent as things were being moved around and I noticed a small amount coolant on the floor.