6R TDI Coolant Leak

[alexaescht]

Hey, does anyone know of some common areas where coolant might leak from a 6R TDI? Checked coolant yesterday, was above the full mark but then today got the flashing red coolant light and the level had dropped to well below the low mark.

I had a good look around for leaks – heater core: no dampness in front carpets so can't be that, engine bay: seems like there may be water on the engine undertray and chassis rails (looking under the car) but I honestly can't tell if it's coolant or from driving through a puddle (I wasn't the last one driving the car so I don't know).

I topped it up with water (took about 700mL) and seeming the timing belt is being done soon (water pump and coolant replaced during that job) I thought plain water shouldn't cause much issue. Flashing red coolant light has gone out now it's topped up and I'll make sure to check the level every day to see if it moves. But if anyone knows common places where it'll leak from, let me know!

Thanks, Alex

[Hilal]

check around the radiator. if theres nothing there, then check your water pump area.

when it dries, it dries light pinkish..

[LukePolo]

I found that mine was leaking out the vacuum water pump and evaporating from the heat of the exhaust before it hit the ground onto one of the under trays.

[Hilal]

I found that mine was leaking out the vacuum water pump and evaporating from the heat of the exhaust before it hit the ground onto one of the under trays.

vacuum water pump? or do you mean the Auxiliary water pump?

[alexaescht]

Oh wow I forgot I even made this thread. Sorry guys for not posting updates as to what happened.

The leak was pretty major – the mech. found one of the heater hoses had a big split in it and was spewing coolant out pretty quickly. The hose was replaced with some generic cooling system hose and the official VW part was ordered from Germany. It's arrived now and we're awaiting the arrival of the timing belt kit to proceed with the installation. Since the generic hose has been fitted the car has not lost any coolant whatsoever.