Losing water, no sign of leak.

[raf_gti]

My GF has a 2004 MkV Golf 1.4 that for no real apparent reason is losing water relatively quickly. A full tank will be down to below the minimum in at least two months, it has been into the garage several times and each time they find no sign of a leak and indeed say there is nothing to worry about. There is no sign of HGF or leakage underneath the car.

As an aside, how do you test for the correct amount of coolant?

[Zad]

I don't know about Golfs, but usually you just look at the radiator header tank and check the level is between the min and max. If it has gone opaque with age and it is not convenient to unscrew the filler cap (because it is hot or whatever) you may need to shine a torch through the side. I suspect there is either a pinhole leak in the radiator, or one of the coolant pipes has a loose connection. Is there a smell of coolant/antifreeze when you park after a run?

[Pumaracing]

With a leak that small the water will probably be evaporating away before you can spot where it's coming from. A pressure test should find it. You might also be able to find traces of discolouration from the antifreeze on the rad or a hose. Anything visually unusual could well be the source.

[munroman]

You can get a UV detectable fluid from here http://www.coolantalarm.co.uk/index.php?act=viewPr...

then using a UV light will show up where the leak is.

[stevieturbo]

raf_gti said:

There is no sign of HGF or leakage underneath the car.

As an aside, how do you test for the correct amount of coolant?

One sign of HG failure is coolant loos with no obvious leaks....so how are you sure it isnt a HG issue ?


You drain it dry and re-fill it to spec.