Fsi expansion tank

AlanA2

AlanA2

A2OC Donor
I have searched the site and found some posts that cover coolant loss, but all appear to be none Fsi models.
My car never over heats, hose's not solid, no discolouration in coolant or oil, but I tend to lose a very small amount of coolant from the header tank, replaced cap but still very small. Local garage says head gasket on the Fsi is unheard of and it could be the expansion bottle itself.

Anyone help
Alan
 
I had this on my old A2 FSI.

The loss was minimal and I never located the source of the leak. I just topped it up about once a month.
 
I'd also check the hoses and radiator itself.

I've had cars where the plastic radiator ends slowly leak. Like Deerfoot I simply topped-up every now and then.

I think a pressure test could help diagnose the problem.
 
Cheers guys, did a 150 mile trip today kept checking expansion tank no coolant could be seen round the outside of it, so hopefully has resolved itself.

Alan
 
It seems quite common for the coolant level in the header tank to drop slightly below the min level and stay there (my 2001 tdi does this) If the level does not stabilise within 10 - 15mm below the high mark then its worth checking for leaks. Look for things like a weeping waterpump seal or pinhole in the radiator core which often only leak a tiny ammount of fluid when the system is hot. Sometimes the only evidence are antifreeze stains or the sweet smell of coolant residue

Cheers Spike
 
Hopefully this may help others.I had my car pressure tested and nothing showed ,after a week I checked coolant level and again it was below the line.
So decided to go hunting for the leak, although the garage couldn't find one, I wasn't going to give up.
As I was looking saw minor discolouration on the bulkhead, a small amount of coolant was coming from the pipe on the right as you look at them going into the bulkhead. The spring clip appeared to have lost its tension and was easily turned on the pipe.

So removed the clip and replaced with a hose clip, this was only possible after removing the air intake for the cabin and the wiper panel. So far no leak, but will keep checking.


Hope this helps
Alan
 
FSI owners

Any Fsi owners had this issue, and what was the fix. Have found the end of the same pipe is weeping slightley.

Alan
 
Cheers ULP, have ordered pipes from Audi just under £37, parts guy said that one of the pipes shows as modified.

Alan
 
I just topped up my coolant level this morning funnily enough. It had just fractionally gone under the min mark..!!!

Think will have a root around under the bonnet this weekend!
 
I dont suppose anyone has a photo to show where to look for these hoses? I've had a good look around and cant see anything that indicates a leak.

I'm currently getting through half a litre every 2 weeks.
 
Look at the bulk head, behind the engine two rubber pipes, that run from the bulk head to the right handside of engine as you look at it.

Hope this helps, as its dark and cant take pics at present.

Alan
 
Well, having done a 350 mile journey yesterday I checked the level at lunch time to find it had gone from max to completely out of the tank!!

Topped it up and drove a mile.

Checked again and its below the minimum already.

Its frustrating that it'll be dark when I get home tonight.

UPDATE:

Having looked closely tonight there is a huge puddle on the under-tray beneath the auxiliary belt at the left end of the engine. It has consumed another litre of coolant in the 2 mile drive home and was dripping quickly when I got back.

From this I conclude that it's likely to be the water pump.

Luckily, the car came with AA cover. They're on the way to have a look with a view to taking it to the supplying dealer in the morning.

Fingers crossed!
 
Last edited:
Our 2003 1.6 FSI was losing a small amout of coolant. The warning light would come on now and then. It only seemed to be a problem during the winter for some reason.

I eventually left it into the local mechanic and he discovered that the thermostat housing was cracked. It had to be replaced and cost around €100 for parts. All seems fine now.
 
Hi Goochie
If it is the water pump, I'd pay the extra and have the cambelt, tensioner and rollers changed at the same time. There will be very little extra to pay for labour as the job already involves removing the cambelt so its just the parts. If it were my car, I'd have this done unless the belt had already been changed less than a year ago.

Cheers Spike
 
Well, I booked the car in to a local VAG specialist on Thursday and by Friday lunch time it was done.

Water pump seal had gone.

New water pump and coolant, along with new auxiliary drive belt and cambelt. All for £318 which I thought was quite good.
 
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