Coolant Leak

[VB21]

Morning all,
Jumped in the car last night and the red LED from the temperature gauge initially beeped at me then continued flashing. After a short while the engine temperature reached normal tempertures.

Quick check of the manual showed low coolant level for the alarm and beeping. So check under the bonnet and sure enough, empty resevoir. Hmmmmmm.

Car is 2002 vintage, 86000 on the clock TDi 1.9 110bhp spec.

I've not had chance to look for dripping yet, but plan to this lunch time, but in the mean time is there a history of coolant leaks, ie where is typical. I'm really hoping to find something dripping onto the floor as a weepy head gasket isn't going to make me happy.

TIA

VB21

 

[Muttley]

Did you add coolant to get it back up to above the "Min" level?

Whan did you last check your coolant level?

Any evidence of leaks where you usually park?

I don't know of any common leak sites.

 

[andycupra]

could be damaged radiator.
other wise it could be where the pipes join the radiator at the bottom.

 

[Andy82]

Hi,

Had the same problem with my Mk1 Leon Cupra, the water coolant light came on and the expansion tank was virtually empty. Filled it up to the maximum and thought nothing of it, until a week later the light came on again checked it and it was empty again! I had driven about 120 miles during that time, comprising mainly of short journeys. Anyway, after quite a few weeks of constant topping up i got it checked out and it was diagnosed as a faulty radiator. Took a picture of the radiator when it was out, it looked awful and the mechanic said it could have blown anytime soon. Put in a new radiator but was told that there might be something wrong with the head gasket now! Something about the head not being properly skimmed, did some sort of pressure test and said it seemed normal for now....

Anyway, get it looked at quickly!

Good luck.