Coolant Escaping from Expansion Tank

[whatalife]

I have noticed that on a run my 2000 1.9TDI Estate is losing coolant and I discovered that it was escaping from the overflow valve that is underneath at the rear of the coolant expansion tank. At the moment I’m catching it in to a container and I poor it back in to the expansion tank when the coolant level flashes on the dashboard.

Any suggestions please as to what could be the problem?


I have replaced the expansion tank and the car is running perfectly but for this.

[creedxup]

The coolant is coming out of the overflow because either.

You have a defective cap

You're system is being over pressurised (head gasket)

Your new expansion tank is broken or the cap is not sealing properly on it.


Is it a new cap as well or are you using the old one ?

[whatalife]

Thanks for the reply.

The cap is a new one.

[Sam]

Was it doing this before you replaced the expansion tank or did you replace it because it was doing this?

[whatalife]

Was it doing this before you replaced the expansion tank or did you replace it because it was doing this?

Do you know I can’t remember (eyes look skywards), what I do remember though is I had the old fluid flushed out as it the water/coolant looked “yucky” and because the bottle was old and had changed colour so you couldn’t see where the coolant level was.


I ended up getting a bottle and cap from off ebay, “yes I know” but I chose a new one not used which was a compatible one for my motor.

[Sam]

Do you know I can’t remember (eyes look skywards), what I do remember though is I had the old fluid flushed out as it the water/coolant looked “yucky” and because the bottle was old and had changed colour so you couldn’t see where the coolant level was.


I ended up getting a bottle and cap from off ebay, “yes I know” but I chose a new one not used which was a compatible one for my motor.

The words "compatible" and "ebay" stand out here.

If it was my car (and I accept it's not) I'd buy a genuine new tank/cap from a reputable source - we have a few suppliers of genuine parts here on VWAF - at least then I'd be starting from a level with parts I trusted.

[whatalife]

The words "compatible" and "ebay" stand out here.

If it was my car (and I accept it's not) I'd buy a genuine new tank/cap from a reputable source - we have a few suppliers of genuine parts here on VWAF - at least then I'd be starting from a level with parts I trusted.

I'll look in to this then right away, at least one thing will be ruled out and if the problem then persists then the likelihood is the HG, bugger if it is.

[kite]

Get a lcal garage to test the coolant system for hydrocarbons, that will tell you if HG has gone.

I wish I could tpye...

[whatalife]

I wish I could tpye...

It’s like “pisprinunciation of your worms”. Cheers by the way

[Sam]

I'll look in to this then right away, at least one thing will be ruled out and if the problem then persists then the likelihood is the HG, bugger if it is.

Good man.

Don't panic yet, the oil coolers are notoriously shonky. 'Yukky' coolant is the first sign.