Coolant leak

TRAVIS SELF

MEMBER
2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
2.0L
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
186,000 MILES

I have the car listed above GLS model. I can see coolant leaking from the top rear of the motor, it’s leaking down onto the exhaust and the rack and pinion cover. It is coming from under a silver colored piece of metal on the back side of the motor. In the pictures I’m pointing to the silver piece, the leak is coming from under that. I have no idea what it could be. Any ideas?

Images (Click to make bigger)

Thursday, February 27th, 2020 AT 12:17 PM

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Hi,

I believe what you have in the picture is an oxygen sensor. There is no coolant there, so it has to be near it. The most common places for them to leak is the coolant temperature sensor. It is located on the right side of the engine. However, there is a steel tube that carries coolant from the sensor housing to the opposite side of the engine. I attached a pic and highlighted where I would start looking.

Now the best way to locate a leak is by pressurizing the system. You will need a pressure tester, but most parts stores will lend or rent one to you. Here is a link that shows how it is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-is-leaking-coolant

Start with this and let me know what you find. Also, if you have questions, let me know.

Joe

Image (Click to make bigger)