Scary Coolant Leak

[Nye]

I've found a coolant leak on my 1.6FSI which appears to come from between the oil cooler pipe bracket and gearbox end of the block. The fluid is running down the engine side of the bracket (see photo, which shows red coolant on top of the bracket, below the edge of the exhaust heat shield). This is also the location of the end of the EGR pipe (036131521BN) and seal but I doubt this is the source of the leak(?). However, this is next-door to the coolant regulator block thing, a more likely source of the leak in my view, but there is no visible evidence of a leak there. Any ideas? I'm now terrified I've a cracked coolant regulator.

 

[A2 Louis]

I've found a coolant leak on my 1.6FSI which appears to come from between the oil cooler pipe bracket and gearbox end of the block. The fluid is running down the engine side of the bracket (see photo, which shows red coolant on top of the bracket, below the edge of the exhaust heat shield). This is also the location of the end of the EGR pipe (036131521BN) and seal but I doubt this is the source of the leak(?). However, this is next-door to the coolant regulator block thing, a more likely source of the leak in my view, but there is no visible evidence of a leak there. Any ideas? I'm now terrified I've a cracked coolant regulator.

Sorry to be your bad news of the day but I think it’s called the (death pipe) apparently these are common on the 1.6 fsi of cracking and starting to leak terribly fast I don’t know how much they cost hopefully someone on here can tell you or maybe I’m wrong and it’s something else hopefully for you I’m wrong

Hope this helps

Thanks

 

[Nye]

Thanks. The pipe of death was replaced not long ago so I hope it's not that delight again. I've taken another photo; the bottom of the coolant regulator/ thermostat housing and block. It seems to show a trace of a leak from the face where the regulator meets the block. Would you agree with the analysis? Would tightening the screw do any good? What gasket is needed here? Could the death pipe be the source of this?

 

[Nye]

Bobbins. This looks like a massive job, just to replace an o-ring.

 

[A2 Louis]

Thanks. The pipe of death was replaced not long ago so I hope it's not that delight again. I've taken another photo; the bottom of the coolant regulator/ thermostat housing and block. It seems to show a trace of a leak from the face where the regulator meets the block. Would you agree with the analysis? Would tightening the screw do any good? What gasket is needed here? Could the death pipe be the source of this?

Hi to be totally honest I’m a mechanical numpty when it comes to stuff like this so I can’t really say and I’ve not had the (death pipe) happen to me YET hopefully never let’s not temp it now as knowing my look lately with the car it’s gone down hill lol sorry I can’t help any more

Hope you get it sorted buddy

Cheers

 

[Nye]

Cheers. If it's any reassurance, I had my death pipe replaced and the mechanic said the old one was perfectly alright. It was 85000 miles old, I think.

 

[A2 Louis]

Cheers. If it's any reassurance, I had my death pipe replaced and the mechanic said the old one was perfectly alright. It was 85000 miles old, I think.

Mine is 134000 miles old ??? unless the last owner replaced it lol

Cheers

 

[Birdfish]

Hi All,

I'll jump in here with a recommendation.

If you ever have to change the "PIPE OF DEATH" you must change the Water pump + belts & pulleys and Electronic Thermostat too if you can afford to do so, it's a must do!!!!!!!!

When you've gone as far to change the "Pipe of Death" then you may as well do all of these especially if you intend to keep the car for a while, I'm talking through experience here as I've had to do it twice.

Audi should be shot at dawn for their hellish design on the 1.6 Fsi engine!

Rgs

Doug