spencerbruntlett Posted May 26, 2006 Report Share Posted May 26, 2006 Got coolant leaking from my motor, about a pint a week. Checked the puddle on the floor and its not just condensation from the air con. Had the belly pan off last night and checked everywhere but can see no sign of the leak. Anyone had anything like this before and know of some tricky little hose somewhere that I need to check? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronmcl Posted May 26, 2006 Report Share Posted May 26, 2006 Sounds like it could be a tricky one - a pint a week suggests a very small leak. We had a similar problem on Mrs M's 3-series (yes, I know, I did tell her to go for an A4, but she wouldn't listen so don't give me a hard time, OK! ) Anyway, it turned out to be a hairline crack on a little plastic fitting at the very back of the engine. Owen Ferry found it because he knew where to look, but I reckon I'd have probably not seen it . Unless anyone else can suggest a known suspect then I suggest you get the car fully warmed up - take it for a run first - then it's just a case of slowly checking every part of the cooling system. Good luck - let us know how you get on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ska Posted May 26, 2006 Report Share Posted May 26, 2006 Look at my engine bay pic Try looking under that triangular black shiny shroud on the right side of the pici. next to the coolant expansion tank; there is a plastic T junction for the return pipe. Mine broke and was dripping from there at about the same rate. I bought the part for around £12 but it includes the pipes and fitting the ends of the pipes is a bugger on the V6 one of them disappers around the back of the engine, can't think it would be any easier on the V8's, I simply removed the craked portion then slidd the pipe over the juntion and tightened a jubilee clip over it for the time being. Remember if its dry look for white water marks and spray/ droplet patterns Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spencerbruntlett Posted May 26, 2006 Author Report Share Posted May 26, 2006 Top tips, ok gives me something to look at tonight, I will let you know. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SneakyMcC Posted May 26, 2006 Report Share Posted May 26, 2006 [ QUOTE ] Look at my engine bay pic Try looking under that triangular black shiny shroud on the right side of the pici. [/ QUOTE ] Ska are you still fishing for compliments!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spencerbruntlett Posted June 5, 2006 Author Report Share Posted June 5, 2006 Right, I have looked everywhere and cant find the exact location, however I do know the following now: 1.) It only leaks when cold, after a run it is bone dry, after a few hours the drips begin. 2.) With the belly pan off the drip can be seen coming off the back end of the sump near the oil filter. Obviously possible that its running down the engine casing and this was just the lowest point but couldnt see where it was running from. Starting to look like I may have to live with this until it gets worse and is easier to find Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zapp Posted June 5, 2006 Report Share Posted June 5, 2006 Looks like cooler / famous plastic pipe. If you want to live with it for some time, than when you finish the ride relieve the coolant pressure by opening (and closing tight!) cap on the reservoir while it is still hot - be careful. I know- it is stupid method, but it works for a time being. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spencerbruntlett Posted June 5, 2006 Author Report Share Posted June 5, 2006 'Looks like cooler / famous plastic pipe.' Is this a known problem? Is there a thread on the solution? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drmotorsport Posted June 5, 2006 Report Share Posted June 5, 2006 there's mention of similar problems on audipages.com try looking there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nikw Posted June 6, 2006 Report Share Posted June 6, 2006 This is the article in question. It deals with solving a combined oil and coolant leak, so don't be put off by references to oil leaks! At this point it's worth saying another thank you to PaulW for an invaluable resource for A8 enthusiasts! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spencerbruntlett Posted June 6, 2006 Author Report Share Posted June 6, 2006 A mix of happiness and sorrow then....hurray I know what the problem is.....oh god can I really do this myself??? Any estimates on how long this might take? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SneakyMcC Posted June 6, 2006 Report Share Posted June 6, 2006 [ QUOTE ] At this point it's worth saying another thank you to PaulW for an invaluable resource for A8 enthusiasts! [/ QUOTE ] Aint-that-the-truth! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nikw Posted June 7, 2006 Report Share Posted June 7, 2006 If I was doing it I think I would be budgeting for the entire weekend! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
showtime Posted June 7, 2006 Report Share Posted June 7, 2006 mine seems to have developed a bit of a thirst for coolant over the last week or so i usually get the light come on after a hard left hand corner! topped it up a couple of times in last week but light came on AGAIN today! had a quick peep under the bonnet & there are some coolant stains just under the bottle so i'm guessing the bottle has a slight leak around the seam, i've got a tank coming tomorrow so i'l fit it on Saturday along with the rear pads that have also decided its time to quit hopefully this will fix my problem but if not i'll put it on my lift at work & check my oil cooler/heat exchanger for leaks also, i've just got that sinking feeling that i'm going to have to take a couple of days off & use them to replace the water pump, it looks do-able but it looks a bit of a mammoth task Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronmcl Posted June 15, 2006 Report Share Posted June 15, 2006 [ QUOTE ] A mix of happiness and sorrow then....hurray I know what the problem is.....oh god can I really do this myself??? [/ QUOTE ] How d'you get on with it Spence?... was it a weekend job after all? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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