Audi 80 tdi..heater matrix

[domross]

Hi ,I have recently bought an 80 avant 1.9 tdi, although high on mileage it has had a top end rebuild ,new radiator and normal suspension issues are sorted...although the heater matrix was recently changed ,there is still a slight dampness in the drivers side footwell so I think there is probably a small leak somewhere here...how do I go about checking this out...also the chap who sold me the car said the water pump might need changing within the next few thousand miles ...again what is involved here???
Many thanks

[domross]

anyone???

[RJS_90q]

The dampness in the footwell may or may not be from the heater matrix.

Does the coolant level drop in the cooling system ?
Can you smell anti-freeze inside the cabin ?


If the answer to both questions above is yes and there are no coolant leaks inside the engine compartment, then you probably have to inspect the heater matrix and it's connecting pipes for leaks. This is likely to be quite an involved dismantling. There are additives that you can add to your coolant that will seal up small leaks (such as Bars leak) but you probably want to get to the root of the issue and dismantling is the only way of doing this.

If the answer to the above questions is no, then it could be rainwater leaking into the cabin via the door seals. Use some chalk and cover the door seals at the point where they seal against the doors. If water is entering at any point here it will wash the chalk off. Once the area is identified, you can then perhaps pull the seal towards the door in order to increase the pressure against the door.

Hope that this helps and good luck with identifying the problem,
Regards,
Bob

[domross]

Thanks Bob.....coolant not going down a great deal but there is a coolant smell in the cabin...will try the door seals 1st though as this obviously seems the easier option....