Advice around the complexity of the repair/parts required

[w1ntermutes]

Hi all, have a 2014 Mk7 TDI and I had a large coolant leak and managed to pinpoint where I think the issue is.

It first started as a slow leak, could go about 300kms until the top up tank would be empty and the alarm would come on. Took it to the mechanic who said that they pressure tested the system and couldnt find a leak, so they replaced the tank with a new one, thinking that might be the problem.

Went for another 300km ish drive and I started to get a real problem. I think the entire system was almost empty as not only was the alarm coming on, the temp gauge went right over into the red. I refilled the entire system and then noticed the coolant was absolutely pissing out of this hose/connector. (Pic1-01 hosted at ImgBB — ImgBB) (Pic2-01-01 hosted at ImgBB — ImgBB)

On top of that I have noticed that my heater wassnt really working well at all (if at all) so wanted to see if I am correct in thinking this pipe connects the coolant to the heating system)

The pipe and connector is located here (Pic3-01-01 hosted at ImgBB — ImgBB)

After having a look around I think this is the part that is going to need to be replaced (15 in the image).

2015-2024 Volkswagen Center Hose Coupling 5Q0-122-291-BB | OEM Parts Online

Just wanted to ask for an opinion to whether I am probably right and this is where the leak is and what do you think the complexity of the job to replace that part would be? Just trying to get all of the info I can as I live in a small town and there are about two mechanics so I want to know if they talk crap or not when they explain what is wrong.

any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[Hillbilly]

Hmm I hope you didnt fill immediately with cold water when needle was in the red. IF so you may end up with a lot more damage than a bust hose.

[w1ntermutes]

Nah, let the car cool down and luckily I had a small amount of coolant in the back. Plus I was only about 1km from home, so I was lucky.

[Sharkie]

Have you got any visible evidence of a leak? Coolant leaks leave telltale marks all over the place.

If no visible evidence of a leak and at the extreme rate of water consumption I'd be suspicious something else is wrong.

How many kms on the TDI? I'd be thinking if its burning the water off at that rate, could possibly be a head gasket gone or if it overheated badly, even a warped head.

[w1ntermutes]

Have you got any visible evidence of a leak? Coolant leaks leave telltale marks all over the place.

If no visible evidence of a leak and at the extreme rate of water consumption I'd be suspicious something else is wrong.

How many kms on the TDI? I'd be thinking if its burning the water off at that rate, could possibly be a head gasket gone or if it overheated badly, even a warped head.

Thanks for the reply

Well I havent taken photos or videos, but I have seen it myself spraying out of that spot (under pressure) and it was extremely noticeable. When I got the car back I starting refilling the coolant system with the engine running so it would cycle through. Thats when I saw it

Car has done 140k.