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Thread: Passat Coolant Issue

  1. #11
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
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    Braidwood, rural NSW
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    Not easy but it can be done. Just make sure there are no kids around to hear you swearing.

    Oz, have you checked if you're getting lots of water vapour out the exhaust, even when warm?

    If you need a hand getting the under-tray off let me know. I'm pretty sure I can drive all the way to the other side of town if you live northside.

    Cheers

    Paul

  2. #12
    Join Date
    Jun 2015
    Location
    South Eastern NSW
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    Thanks Paul - I'm actually on the west side of town out past the shoalhaven (just). It is puzzling me a bit. I have topped up the system, and it now *seems* to be holding the correct level. Read something else saying coolant was closed system - should never lose a drop. I'll keep a close eye on it. As for that undertray - dirt driveway, rocks etc, can't see it coming off here.
    08 Golf GT TDI
    11 (MY12) Passat TDI Wagon

  3. #13
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    Jul 2008
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    Braidwood, rural NSW
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    Ah, you live in Braidwood Heights - the posh side.

    When you topped up the coolant did you let the engine idle for several minutes with the radiator cap off? I bet you didn't which means whenever an air bubble made it's way through the cooling system you only became aware of it the next time you checked the coolant level. Now that all the bubbles are out it's back to normal.

    You probably have a very small leak which (over time) caused this problem. Nothing to worry about but make sure you check the coolant level at least once a month.

    Cheers

    Paul

  4. #14
    Join Date
    Jun 2015
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    South Eastern NSW
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    Folks - a bookend on this. The leak continued and eventually I took it to NatRad in Philip in the ACT. They diagnosed the problem as a leaking water pump but were not keen to attempt a repair as they had to pull off the engine timing belt and recommended taking it to a euro specialist. Took it to a Euro specialist (Anthony Costello in Fyshwick ACT). They arranged the replacement water pump, but also recommended replacing the timing belt simultaneously as the labour cost was the same either way - the extra cost was just the price of the belt. They also explained that it was good habbit to replace the water pump when doing the engine timing belt. I don't know whether the shop who did the timing belt at 105K did that - I suspect not through, given the water pump failed at approx 145K. Not much change from $1,000 in the end.
    Last edited by ozrcboy; 19-10-2015 at 06:16 AM.
    08 Golf GT TDI
    11 (MY12) Passat TDI Wagon

  5. #15
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    26
    I have a MY13.5 TDI and the water pump has just failed at 44k.
    Maybe your pump was changed at 105k and they had sourced a bad batch about that time?
    Luckily covered by warranty but doubt they'll change the timing belt at the same time.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  6. #16
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
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    Sydney/Canberra
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    They should if it's been contaminated by coolant.
    '07 Transporter 1.9 TDI
    '01 Beetle 2.0

  7. #17
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    Jan 2015
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    Melb
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    I'd just pay for the belt if they won't. Then you get a new belt without the labour cost.

  8. #18
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    26
    Quote Originally Posted by Passat my07 View Post
    I'd just pay for the belt if they won't. Then you get a new belt without the labour cost.
    Thanks for the suggestion.

    I put it to them that I was concerned about coolant contamination of the belt but they said everything was fine for the belt to be reused.

    When they gave me a quote of $450 for parts to change the timing belt - belt, pulleys, idler wheels, etc. - I said don't worry, but the dealer offered to change the belt only under warranty as the other parts are not covered under warranty.

    Can't complain too much about the service.


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  9. #19
    Join Date
    Jun 2015
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    South Eastern NSW
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    Steve - I was quoted only an extra $170 for the belt kit IIRC, and they certainly strongly recommended replacing, not only for contamination, but also reseting the clock on changing the belt. I did the maths - was about 30% through the service life of the belt - made sense to spend the bucks on the kit just before taking into accoutn the contamination, so spent the bucks.
    08 Golf GT TDI
    11 (MY12) Passat TDI Wagon

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