Coolant leak!

[wasted]

I've been noticing two dark spots under the engine recently after the car's been sat overnight on the road... Initially thought it was a small oil leak, but I tasted it (yeah, I know) this morning and it's sweet, so it's definitely coolant. Having watched the engine carefully as it warmed up, sure enough, there's a steady drip coming from the inlet/outlet on the right hand side of the head (as you look at the front of the car).

It doesn't look like it's coming from the hose attached to it; rather, it seems to be seeping out around the nut holding the lower part of the flange in place. Kind of semi-confirmed this by putting a finger under the hose clip, where it didn't get wet; however putting it under the edge of the nut it did get wet.

Looking at the Haynes, this seems to go to the heat exchanger, and the flange has an O-ring underneath it. It's difficult to get a proper look at it without taking the hose off (i.e. draining the system), so I wondered if anyone could tell me whether this is more likely to be a) the nut not being on tight enough, b) a crack in the outlet, or c) the o-ring having perished and split. Any ideas?

[ianaudia4]

The flange is made of plastic with metal sleeves in the bolt holes, so in time warps and leaks. Just go to the dealer and get a new one, they are only a fiver or so. Take care whenn removing the old one as the nuts can shear off, get plenty of pnetrating fluid on.

[wasted]

Actually the one on the car is metal, so presumably it's the original or a very good quality replacement.

Good to know they're available from the dealers - it looks like VWHeritage usually have them too, but they're out of stock at the moment. Cheers for the help!

[go-for-it1]

And anti freeze is highly toxic when injested!!

[wasted]

Haha yeah, I know... I've popped a small container on the top of the gearbox to catch any more that leaks out for the moment. As for tasting it, it was only the tip of my tongue ;)

[MacColl]

That water flange is leaking on mine and has for a while. It's the pain of draining the system that has stopped me fitting a spare new one I have with fresh O-ring.

I've also got a leak at the O-ring where the inlet manifold enters the head which happens with Carbed cars

See all the white deposits where it has been leaking..


Inlet leak..

[wasted]

It's a pain, ain't it? I'm not really sure how much it's losing at the moment, but when I squeeze the rad hoses, it does drip fairly quickly, so I'd better sort it soon. I guess it would make sense to replace the thermostat and any old hoses at the same time...

[ianaudia4]

Yes the one on my Storm is metal So probably original. It was the Scala that needed a replacement. If you are changing the thermostat as well be aware that the elbow O ring will need changing for a new one or just buy a new elbow as they come with one.
I have just spent the best part of the weekend doing jobs on the Storm, working in minus 3 degrees is not fun!

[wasted]

I bet! I saw your post about putting a new dash in... I was debating changing the oil this weekend, but thought better of it. A slipped hand vs. pokey-out metal bits hurts a lot more when your fingers are freezing cold!

[Nate]

And anti freeze is highly toxic when injested!!

been doing it for years, not done me any harm. easiest way to tell if it is coolant or some other fluid. i can identify pretty much all car fluids by taste

[wasted]

Absolutely! Drip on the bottom of the engine? If it's not sweet, it's condensation. If it's sweet, you've got a coolant leak. If it makes your whole mouth taste of engine, it's probably an oil leak

[go-for-it1]

Don't try this test on leaks under the toilet!!

[Bonusrocco]

ive just been refitting a themostat, it keeps sliding down and getting caught between the flange, the when i top up it leaks! whats the trick?? wasting coolant each time!

[ianaudia4]

Put a bowl under it to catch the coolant!
I would fit a new elbow and O ring.

[wasted]

Also, to check if it's leaking or not, instead mixing the coolant with the distilled water, put a pint of the water in before mixing. Cheaper to replace.