My S4 is out of commission!

[DUDEFROMRI]

Well, I was driving home from work today after working a 10hr shift, pulled in the driveway and got out to take the recycling bin to the street and noticed what I thought was water the whole way up my driveway and into the garage. Low and behold, it's coolant, but where the heck is it coming from? I jacked up the car, took of the plastic skid plate and started peaking around? Radiators look fine, but it seems like it is coming from the alternator area, does this seem right? I have done a bit of reading and found out that the alternator in our car is cooled with coolant, but have no found any other posts about a leak from that area? I guess I'll be pulling my car apart during my lovely 4 day weekend.

[nycion]

I'm not familiar with the V8, but where did you read that the "alternator is cooled with coolant" if I may ask?

[guglielmo]

I'm thinking that was part of a blinker fluid thread.

I'm not familiar with the V8, but where did you read that the "alternator is cooled with coolant" if I may ask?

[nycion]

You're right - thanks. I'll let the veterans give advice on this one.

[DUDEFROMRI]

I'm thinking that was part of a blinker fluid thread.

Really?

[event]

Might be the blinker fluid. Mine was leaking once, the mechanic I went to charged 345.96 to fix it. If you wanna confirm if it's coolant, taste it, coolant is sweet. Mmmmm... cooollllaaaant. Don't let cats and dogs get near the stuff, they like it and it kills them.

[awwturbo]

[bent.]

Wow… DUDEFROMRI is correct. The alternator is water [coolant] cooled, folks.

This hose may be the source of your leak, though it's just a wild-ass guess. Keep us posted when you sort it out.

[event]

Yes it is, but he won't know for sure if it's a coolant leak till he tastes that sweet kool-Aid, just saying.

[noob5]

The alternators in these motors are in fact liquid-cooled by the cooling system.
Click here:
http://jhmotorsports.com/shop/catalo...s4-p-1006.html
and here:
http://www.jimellisaudiparts.com/sho...ssembly=754356

audi part #079 121 063G

It could be the source of your leak. Let us know how this turns out.


*Never mind...I was beat to the punch by Bent. lol

[bent.]

^ Nice find on the cooling supply graphic; I was looking for one.

Yes it is, but he won't know for sure if it's a coolant leak till he tastes that sweet kool-Aid, just saying.

Dat sweet Kool-Aid.

[Tropicgreena4]

Dat sweet Kool-Aid.

yum!!

[EUROSWAGR]

I'm not familiar with the V8, but where did you read that the "alternator is cooled with coolant" if I may ask?

Just curious, but why the hell are you posting here then? Especially since the guys is having an issue with his 4.2l V8.
I think you were trying to be condescending and failed miserably.

OP I would say that the hard line on the back of your alternator may have cracked. I haven't seen to many issues with it, but it seems like a possible culprit.

[BCsniper]

I'd just start by taking the bumper off and looking around. Or maybe just get it in the air and look from underneath, however you may not be able to see anything from there.

It could be your passenger side aux radiator has gotten a crack in it. I have seen these fail more that coolant lines to the alternator. Actually I have never seen issues with the alternator lines, more just the alternator failing itself. I just don't see the hard metal tube that comes out of the radiator cracking. There are also a couple rubber hoses down there however they are only a couple inches long so I don't really see them failing either. My bet is you have a crack on the bottom of the pass. side aux radiator on the side towards the motor which is why you see the leak coming from the alternator area.

[b spot]

+1 on Aux rad. I had mine let go pretty early.

[anthonyisd3ad]

Has no one heard of a liquid cooled alternator? I had a few 7 series BMW's that I needed to replace the hoses running to the alternator

[Lefthook]

I'm not familiar with the V8, but where did you read that the "alternator is cooled with coolant" if I may ask?

I'm thinking that was part of a blinker fluid thread.

You're right - thanks. I'll let the veterans give advice on this one.

Might be the blinker fluid. Mine was leaking once, the mechanic I went to charged 345.96 to fix it. If you wanna confirm if it's coolant, taste it, coolant is sweet. Mmmmm... cooollllaaaant. Don't let cats and dogs get near the stuff, they like it and it kills them.

lol you idiots.

[DUDEFROMRI]

Well, It definitely is one of the lines either going to, or coming from the Alternator. I've got the car in the service position but have not gone any further, tomorrow I may tackle taking out the alternator and getting a list of parts together. So far I am at the hose that is leaking, Serpentine belt, snub mount, and valve cover gaskets since they are leaking. Anything else I should take care of while I'm at it?

[zv211]

Be sure to get a new tensioner and roller for the serpentine belt. And, Audi updated the belt in early 2012 (slightly shorter version to combat 'belt throwing' B6/B7 S4's), so just confirm the updated part number.

Good luck.

[Nor_Cal_Driver]

Excited to flame the members always are...

[nycion]

My apologies to the OP and other members I might have annoyed. I never heard of a liquid cooled alternator on a passenger vehicle, but I learned something new today...Thanks.

[DUDEFROMRI]

Well my generous father in law gave me this to drive while my S is in pieces in the garage. I'm almost tempted to never put my car back together and keep it forever!





Gosh this thing is FAST!

[dparm]

Have fun with that thing in the snow or rain.

[DUDEFROMRI]

Have fun with that thing in the snow or rain.

I live in Georgia, and ill take the Passat when it rains!