Chasing a Coolant Leak

**michael66899** · 12-25-2008 08:22 PM

Alright guys I've done plenty of searching and was wondering if anyone could give me a bit of advice. I've got a small coolant leak (goes below the low indicator every 3-4 days) so I'm constantly topping off the reservoir. The only visual findings so far are of some white residue on top of the tranny and on the line right below the temp sensor, and I think it might be coming out of the coolant line back there. The only thing is whenever I pop the hood I have yet to actually see anything coming out of right there, but right now I don't know where else it could be coming from. Any good ideas on spotting a coolant leak? Like using some kind of a die or something in the coolant? Here are some pics of where I think it might be coming from.

**geeky** · 12-25-2008 08:33 PM

You sure its not from the CTS? The CTS has an oring, check to see if that oring is ripped.

**Affinitive** · 12-25-2008 08:34 PM

replace the coolant flange and all associated seals. probably should get a new temp sensor as well as looks old and has likely already outlived it's life expectancy. Also they'll often times get damaged when trying to remove them as they get "stuck" in the flange. The coolant hose may be ok but pobably just easier to replace it while you'e already getting in thee

C

**michael66899** · 12-25-2008 08:35 PM

I'm like 90% sure thats what it is, but its been in the 20s and snowing so I've just been way to lazy to go pull it out real quick and check.

**michael66899** · 12-25-2008 08:37 PM

Originally Posted by Affinitive

replace the coolant flange and all associated seals.
C

Stealership? Anyone got a P/N for that flange?

**michael66899** · 12-25-2008 08:43 PM

Just found the write up for the flange on AW, I'll head out to the stealership tomorrow and pick one up along with a new sensor and hook it all up, I need to flush my coolant anyways. Here's a link to the write up as well if anyone needs it.
http://www.audiworld.com/tech/eng76.shtml

**Affinitive** · 12-25-2008 08:47 PM

LOL
No I'm not a stealership. But I do run and own a shop and worrk on mainly just Audi's. Going the route I recomended is what generally turns out to be needed and fixing it right to first go around.
PLenty of online places should have all those parts but even with the dealer sucharge, everything should be petty cheap

Good luck

**Affinitive** · 12-25-2008 08:48 PM

the r button on this new keyboard doesn't seem to work very well........sorry

**michael66899** · 12-25-2008 08:51 PM

^^ Ha sorry I didn't mean it like that I was just asking in general where to get it at, not intended towards you, no worries, and ya they are all pretty cheap parts. I would get them online but for a few bucks more I'll just get it fixed tomorrow as long as they have them in stock. Thanks!

**B5A4Kevin** · 12-25-2008 08:55 PM

as stated above, replace the coolant flange and the temp sender seal. fairly cheap parts.

**itsbigj05** · 12-25-2008 09:20 PM

I know its a long shot, but does anybody know the part numbers for the o-rings, flange, and hose that goes to the heater core? I had a nasty leak from one of the o-rings, but the guy at the VW dealership gave me two of the wrong size rings (the CTS and stupid random plug were the right ones). That one hose is looking pretty beat, so I'm just going to replace it while I'm back there busting up my hands.

Something always has to go wrong when money is tight, doesn't it?