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Over consumption of coolant

Tiny
INGE BUNCE
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
I have a VW Passat, 10 years old. It regularly loses alot of water from the cooling system although there are no leaks in the system, I have had it checked by 2 garages, and have even had a new radiator. There seems to be too much pressure in the system as there is pressure even when the car has been standing for several days. Sometimes I need to fill up after just a couple of short journeys, and others I can drive for 100 miles or more without losing any water. The car does not overheat as a rule, I just get the STOP sign and have to stop anywhere I can and fill up. Apart from this the car runs well. No problems with oil consumption. Any ideas
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Thursday, November 25th, 2010 AT 9:32 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
You will have to get the head gasket checked as if there is no external leaks, it must be internal, the increased pressure can also indicate a head problem, start here.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Thursday, November 25th, 2010 AT 9:36 AM
Tiny
INGE BUNCE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
If it was that wouldnt the coolant be leaking into the oil? As the car is 10 years old and ahs done 200k miles, is it worth starting on the head gasket? Isnt this a very expensive repair? The car has been doing this for well over a year now. Can I keep going like this or will it lead to something else?
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Thursday, November 25th, 2010 AT 9:46 AM
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
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Coolant can leak into the combustion chamber and go out the exhaust as steam, very minor leaks can go on like this for some time, but if left untreated it can develop into serious damage, get a head check done, this is a quick 7 simple chemical test for Co in the cooling system.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Thursday, November 25th, 2010 AT 9:54 AM
Tiny
FIXITMR
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Usually head gasket leaks make the engine run rough. Take your plugs out and look for a really 'clean' one as water in the combustion acts like a steam cleaner. You can also get the exhaust gases checked for antifreeze traces. As long as it's not mixing in the oil serious damage is unlikely.
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Thursday, November 25th, 2010 AT 10:05 AM
Tiny
FIXITMR
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Do a google search for your problem for any specific pointers on your car/engine/problem and see what pops!
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Thursday, November 25th, 2010 AT 10:06 AM

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