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Thread: Low coolant level 300 tdi

  1. 13th January 2014, 06:28 AM #1
    Random88
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    Low coolant level 300 tdi

    All running well, no overheating but the coolant level is always low. I have tried to detect a leak but can't see anything so far. The level is always only just into the reservoir. If I fill it to the halfway mark where I understand it is supposed to be, within a few days it is back to the low level.

    Does this mean that I should be looking for a leak at this level? Any thoughts?
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  2. 13th January 2014, 07:05 AM #2
    bsperka
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    Ummm...wrong forum??? TD5 - yes, TDI - what is that?
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  3. 13th January 2014, 07:09 AM #3
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    Reads90
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    Check the p gasket as this can leak and may not notice as leaks onto the engine block

    Also Check there is no water in the oil
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  4. 13th January 2014, 07:31 AM #4
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    87County
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    How many kms has it done ?

    The head gasket can spring a very minor leak between cyls 2 & 3 when the system is pressurised and you will get neither coolant in the sump oil or any external sign on the engine.

    Also, as reads posts, have a look for coolant deposit from the P gasket, you'll see evidence on the block below the gasket behind the alternator (use a torch). You may even see deposits on the alternator.

    It's not a difficult job to replace the P gasket but if any of the pump mounting bolts are corroded in the block it will add a bit of work.
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  5. 13th January 2014, 08:55 AM #5
    Random88
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    Quote Originally Posted by 87County View Post
    How many kms has it done ?

    The head gasket can spring a very minor leak between cyls 2 & 3 when the system is pressurised and you will get neither coolant in the sump oil or any external sign on the engine.

    Also, as reads posts, have a look for coolant deposit from the P gasket, you'll see evidence on the block below the gasket behind the alternator (use a torch). You may even see deposits on the alternator.

    It's not a difficult job to replace the P gasket but if any of the pump mounting bolts are corroded in the block it will add a bit of work.

    Thanks for the response. Good info.
    Water pump failed and it over heated at about 220K and it has been good ever since, now 360K. The head repairers looked at the radiator and that was ok, but they gave the vehicle back to us without looking at the pump. Wife heard it clattering while getting the mail out of the box. Not fixing the original problem is most likely why engines re-fail.

    About the leak between cylinders. Would this tend to use all the coolant rather than stabilising? I have had a look at the oil colour and level, pretty sure there is no water in it.
    Will have a look at the pump gasket today and a better look around generally.
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  6. 13th January 2014, 04:56 PM #6
    Random88
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    Quote Originally Posted by 87County View Post
    How many kms has it done ?

    The head gasket can spring a very minor leak between cyls 2 & 3 when the system is pressurised and you will get neither coolant in the sump oil or any external sign on the engine.
    .....
    .
    If the above was correct would a compression test pick it up?
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  7. 13th January 2014, 04:58 PM #7
    Random88
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    Quote Originally Posted by Reads90 View Post
    Check the p gasket as this can leak and may not notice as leaks onto the engine block

    Also Check there is no water in the oil
    What are the symptoms of a small amount of water in the oil? Would the water evaporate at operating temperature if the leak was small?
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  8. 13th January 2014, 05:04 PM #8
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    Blknight.aus
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    bring it around, I'll find it...
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  9. 13th January 2014, 06:03 PM #9
    Random88
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    Quote Originally Posted by Blknight.aus View Post
    bring it around, I'll find it...
    I think it would get there, about 150km from you. Still a mystery, the oil is black.

    Could you forward details of a time and place to suit you?
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  10. 23rd January 2014, 12:09 PM #10
    Random88
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    For reference for others with similar low coolant issues. After turning down a kind offer from Blknight to find the problem, I took it to the closest possible outfit, concerned that I could cook it on the way.

    Looks like it was a leak at the water pump outlet, the one going to the bottom of the radiator. I had looked at that, even took it off and refitted it once. The issue was that a small corrosion spot on the bottom surface made a seal impossible. But the leak was so slow that it evaporated before I could see any water running, no drips.

    So the joint was siliconed up to see if that was the problem in case we still had a head issue. Looks like that was it, happy now. Apparently there are reconditioned housings around and I can trade my old one in. Anyone had experience doing that? Any pointer appreciated.
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