Probably the timing cover gasket or water pump.

Answered by merlin2021 (expert)
18,145 answers provided

Water pump... don't worry, coolant can't leak into the oil pan
through the oil pan gasket.

To replace the water pump, you need to remove the timing belt. So
be sure to install a new T-belt & tensioner as well.

Answered by exovcds
0 questions asked

I dont have the know-how to do this myself. Is it even cost effective to have the water pump and timing belt changed on a 99 Jetta with 180k miles in fair condition?

Response from TyAzz
10 questions asked

Just to make sure, we are talking about the A4 model VW Jetta, right?
Should look like this:

http://www.importcompactauto.com/includes/images/Volkswagen_Jetta/2000_jetta_2.jpg

If the car has been maintained/serviced regularly, it will still
have quite a bit of life/years left! Many variables obviously,
but it would sell for more money (should you decide to sell it)
if the leak were repaired! :-)

Take it to a VW Specialty shop for an estimate... prices can
vary, so you might want to see two shops. Don't just take my word
for it and phone for an estimate. Since I can't see the leak, my
best guess at this time is water pump.

The 1.8T, 1.9TDi, 2.0 & VR6 engines will all have water dripping
from behind the big crankshaft pulley when the water pump leaks.

Good luck!

Answered by exovcds
0 questions asked

Before i go and buy these parts and pay someone to do it... Could it be the crank shaft pulley seal? Or would that be oil leaking out?

Response from TyAzz
10 questions asked

And yes thats what the car looks like.

Response from TyAzz
10 questions asked

Sorry about the late reply... had a phone call.

Crank shaft pulley will leak oil, not coolant. What engine is in
your car?

Answered by exovcds
0 questions asked

Don't buy any parts until you have someone verify where the leak
is coming from!

Answered by exovcds
0 questions asked

The engine is a 2.0. Ok, il have it verfied first. But i took the undercariage covers off, the oil pan cover, and the engine covers and could not find any wet spots at all. I couldnt even find any moisture on the top side of pulley.

Response from TyAzz
10 questions asked

The water pump has a small "weep" hole... coolant can leak from it
depending on engine temperatures & pressure.

It might not leak until the car has been run to fully warm state and
then as the engine cools, coolant will start to run out.

Attached is a picture that shows a trail of coolant from the pump
town to the crankshaft sprocket.

Diesel engine picture... but your w/p is in the same place.

Answered by exovcds
0 questions asked