1.8T Coolant Leak

[01jetta]

Looks like I have a coolant leak from the drivers side of the car. I have been smelling anti-freeze for a couple of months and having to add coolant every couple of weeks but I have not been able to find the leak. Does anyone know where the leak could be coming from?

[sdhelzer]

Plastic coolant flange. I had mine replaced by the dealership under warranty within the first three years of ownership.

VW is notorious for plastic part failures.

[01jetta]

Thanks, Ill check that out this weekend. Do you know if the part is easily accessible or is it a pain and need to be done by the dealer?

[sdhelzer]

It's not too bad. You will need to remove plastic cover over the valve cover and a few other things to get to the flange. You will also loose a good bit of coolant so when you finish the replacement be sure to refill and use ONLY G12.

If you prefer you could let your dealer perform the fix. Depending on where you live (labor rates vary greatly from region to region) I would think the cost shouldn't be over $125, if that. Give your dealer a call, explain the problem and get an estimated range of costs.

By the way you didn't mention the year and mileage of your 1.8T. First check to see if it still under warranty. If it is let the dealer do it.

[bull117]

Anybody got a pic of what the flange looks like...having a hard time finding the part locally.

Thanks
Bull