Golf TDI MK 4 coolant loss problem

**siputt** · 22-02-2007,12:05 AM

HI,

Any thoughts ion a problem i have with my car (w plate 115BHP golf diesel esate) greatly apprecated. For the last 8 months i have been loosing coolant on long journeys that i do regularly. When i drive faster it seems more coolant goes. Recently i had it pressure tested and head tested with no clear identification from the garage on what the problem was. In a desperate attempt to cure this i asked them to replace the radiator and cap - there was some old signs of leakage. I was dissapointed after this weekend when the low coolant light came on. The water in the chamber gets hot and just by unscrewing it and looking anderneath i see signs of it bubbling out the overflow in the coolant chamber. Could this be as simple as the thermostat not working correctly, i fear the worst that the head gasket has gone. There is no evidence in the oil and from the test no gases coming into the coolant.

Look forward to hearing from you.

**Gogsy** · 22-02-2007,08:35 PM

Did anything happen 8 months ago that might have started this? Are we talking June06 so hot weather?
Diesels are cool runners usually so if there is pressure causing loss, it's either HGF or it could be an airlock. Does the system seem full when you squeeze the hoses? Try loosening a heater hose with the engine running (don't remove completely and be careful) to check that there's no air lurking there. Failing that try a new thermostat. It may be sticking.

**nacker** · 22-02-2007,08:37 PM

hi i asked a simalar question on here the other day and still waiting a reply,
if i was you i would try this forum -removed- as they helped me in no time.

**Eshrules** · 22-02-2007,08:45 PM

Originally Posted by nacker

hi i asked a simalar question on here the other day and still waiting a reply,
if i was you i would try this forum -removed- as they helped me in no time.

firstly, welcome to the forum, all contributors are welcomed, try introducing yourself on the new members section so people know who you are and where you come from etc

secondly, the OP posted this thread last night at 11pm. its been on here less than a day, im not sure how fast you expect a response, but some people may research the faults before offering their advice. thirdly, if you dont like this forum... why become a member? its a little insulting when a post such as the above is posted..... people on here contribute hell of a lot and will always help members, see my post count.... thats what contribution is all about.

patience is a virtue and if help is wanted, a little bit of politeness wouldnt go amiss

**Eshrules** · 22-02-2007,08:50 PM

Originally Posted by siputt

HI,

Any thoughts ion a problem i have with my car (w plate 115BHP golf diesel esate) greatly apprecated. For the last 8 months i have been loosing coolant on long journeys that i do regularly. When i drive faster it seems more coolant goes. Recently i had it pressure tested and head tested with no clear identification from the garage on what the problem was. In a desperate attempt to cure this i asked them to replace the radiator and cap - there was some old signs of leakage. I was dissapointed after this weekend when the low coolant light came on. The water in the chamber gets hot and just by unscrewing it and looking anderneath i see signs of it bubbling out the overflow in the coolant chamber. Could this be as simple as the thermostat not working correctly, i fear the worst that the head gasket has gone. There is no evidence in the oil and from the test no gases coming into the coolant.

Look forward to hearing from you.

now... in respect of your issue kind sir, what were the results of the pressure test or did you not manage to get that from the garage?

it could possibly be the heater matrix, although this would affect the temp of the car too i think, and you would probably find water in the footwell, from the matrix.

what kind of readings are you getting from your temp dial on these long journeys?

has the car shown the EMS light at any point?

sorry for all the questions, but its needed sometimes to help narrow down the fault.....

**Sam** · 23-02-2007,08:36 AM

siputt, firstly welcome aboard!

Secondly, the turn of this thread is not the norm, so don't be put off by the partial hijack.

Answers will come in due course.

Originally Posted by nacker

hi i asked a simalar question on here the other day and still waiting a reply,
if i was you i would try this forum -removed- as they helped me in no time.

You posted your question on 19th Feb 2007. Less than a week ago. Perhaps the person with the exact answer you want hasn't yet read your problem. I searched this very forum and found a few answers, I then replied to your post.

Do remember this is a multi-platform/model forum with many diverse members. To expect to get precise answers seconds after you post is asking a lot.

As for advising members to go elsewhere, thanks, that helps a lot - much appreciated.

**siputt** · 23-02-2007,08:34 PM

Hi Guys,

Thanks so far for taking an intrest here, with two garages being perplexed by this any input is really valued. The problem stated post a serivce last year that was done by kwick fit. Maybe a mistake to go there in the first place but i needed tyres. to answer your questions:

the coolant should now be full because having the radiator replaced i asked the garage to refill the coolant, so i cant think this is an air lock.

i dont have the results of the pressure test but the guy said he ran it for ages as i do regular trips London - Cornwall.

Tempreture dial stays pretty much at 90 the middle.

If the EMS light is the coolant level light then yes it comes on just at the end of these journeys.

The heater seems to work fine in fact is quite hot, there is no sign of water in the footwell.

How easy is the thermostat to replace? I did one on a Polo once.

Another trip to cornwall tomo where i will top it right up with water and drive steady.

Thanks again.

Simon

**siputt** · 23-02-2007,08:35 PM

Originally Posted by eshrules

now... in respect of your issue kind sir, what were the results of the pressure test or did you not manage to get that from the garage?

it could possibly be the heater matrix, although this would affect the temp of the car too i think, and you would probably find water in the footwell, from the matrix.

what kind of readings are you getting from your temp dial on these long journeys?

has the car shown the EMS light at any point?

sorry for all the questions, but its needed sometimes to help narrow down the fault.....

see answers to your questions below.

Thanks

**siputt** · 23-02-2007,08:36 PM

Originally Posted by Gogsy

Did anything happen 8 months ago that might have started this? Are we talking June06 so hot weather?
Diesels are cool runners usually so if there is pressure causing loss, it's either HGF or it could be an airlock. Does the system seem full when you squeeze the hoses? Try loosening a heater hose with the engine running (don't remove completely and be careful) to check that there's no air lurking there. Failing that try a new thermostat. It may be sticking.

only thing that could have maybe caused this is a service as i quote in my post back. What is the HGF??

**siputt** · 23-02-2007,08:37 PM

Originally Posted by Gogsy

Did anything happen 8 months ago that might have started this? Are we talking June06 so hot weather?
Diesels are cool runners usually so if there is pressure causing loss, it's either HGF or it could be an airlock. Does the system seem full when you squeeze the hoses? Try loosening a heater hose with the engine running (don't remove completely and be careful) to check that there's no air lurking there. Failing that try a new thermostat. It may be sticking.

only thing that could have maybe caused this is a service as i quote in my post back. What is the HGF??