Weeping turbo and leaking radiator

[newb1e]

Just want some opinion from you guys.

On the way to Asda the other day, the low coolant warning light came on. Checked and found coolant had gone down to 'low'. I didn't wanna mix it with other supermarket coolant so I topped it up with water. Got home and it gone back to 'low' again.

I took the car to VW central specialist garage for a pressure test the following morning. On ramp they found there's a leak on radiator and what they called weeping turbo. Basically they said the turbo is leaking tiny tiny amount of oil which is normal as the garage's owner's passat has it and many audis have this. They reassured me its a very common problem and i shouldnt worry about it.

you guys heard of this? the oil level has been fine since i bought it 1 month ago.

I had to travel somewhere so they stuck some undiluted quantum coolant in so whenever it goes down, i can top it up with water. After 60 miles of motorway and city driving plus hours of parking, the coolant level seems to be fine??!! has the leak gone or something?

If there is a hole, i think it's tiny. Are there any aftermarket radiator sealant i can use to patch it up? The guy quoted £210 for new radiator plus fitting, which i think is quite reasonable but if i had the choice, i rather not.

thoughts guys?

[patomlin76]

There is a known weakness in the connections at the side of the radiator, and this is where the leak will be from - I had exactly the same coolant issue, and luckily for me it was replaced under warranty. You can try using solutions that aim to 'plug' the leak (think ********* have some), but tbh I think you're looking at a new radiator anyhow.

Can't help you with the turbo issue, however specialists are usually very good and very honest (which is how they get business away from dealers). If they say it's OK then I'd be tempted to believe them - unless anyone else knows differently?

Thanks.

[martin1810]

I would get the radiator replaced. Don't stick muck in it. That way the job is done and you can forget it. Weeping turbo ???? What's that meant to mean. All turbo's leak some oil from the air pipes but the oil pipes shouldn't leak. Might be an idea to ask where the leak is.

[newb1e]

i think it could be what you've described - oil from air pipes. is that a common problem then? potentially serious?

[martin1810]

i think it could be what you've described - oil from air pipes. is that a common problem then? potentially serious?

That's not a problem....that's normal for a turbo.....they all do it.

[newb1e]

did they design it to be like that? cus to me, anything leaking is not good. haha.

it made me think my car was abused before i bought it. phewww...

[The Rover]

did they design it to be like that? cus to me, anything leaking is not good. haha.

it made me think my car was abused before i bought it. phewww...

Me thinks your paranoid!!

[dunkley201]

did they design it to be like that? cus to me, anything leaking is not good. haha.

You try designing a turbo seal that rotates at mega thousands of rpm, with exhaust gas temperatures & pressures on one side of the seal and engine oil pressure on the other, yet allowing sufficient clearance to spin. I am sure it will always leak a little, even with a new turbo!

[newb1e]

thats a very good explanation, thank you!

a night out to nandos just now, coolant still at 'max' level?! the leak is gone! (i wish)