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Author Topic: Mk5 GTI (BPY) with 160k experiencing coolant loss  (Read 1460 times)

Offline mkvingti

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Mk5 GTI (BPY) with 160k experiencing coolant loss
« on: November 05, 2020, 12:10:15 am »
I have a 2008 GTI, FSI (BPY) with just about 160k miles. Over the past 2 months I've been noticing the level in the coolant reservoir slowly going down, requiring me to top it off roughly every 2 weeks.  Also around this time it seems like the car started to slightly smoke white at idle. I've never noticed any smoke behind me while driving, no CELs or faults, driveability hasn't changed nor has the coolant temp ever gone past 190F, or overheated.

 I'm not sure where the coolant is going, I haven't noticed any external leak or really smelled coolant. Reservoir is clean and appears to only contain coolant. I don't know how significant this is, but I've only had G12/G13 in the system. I religiously check my oil, as everyone should  :wink: and also have not noticed any milky substance on the dipstick or any mixture when I did my most recent oil change, roughly 200 miles ago. Nothing under the oil cap either. Has anyone ever ran into an issue like this? I still haven't done a pressure test on the coolant system so that could be my next move but if I find nothing I'm lost.

Since owning the car I've done some work. In terms of the coolant system, I've changed..
-OEM water pump to INA metal impeller water pump during timing belt change
-New washers for coolant lines to the turbo when I went K04
-4 way distribution pipe on the upper rad hose due to nipple breaking off

Leave your thoughts and inputs, I'm looking for some guidance.
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Offline Octoparrot

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Re: Mk5 GTI (BPY) with 160k experiencing coolant loss
« Reply #1 on: November 05, 2020, 10:28:43 am »
Check the plastic end tanks of the radiator aren't beginning to leak, this caused a gradual coolant loss on mine.
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Offline GVK

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Re: Mk5 GTI (BPY) with 160k experiencing coolant loss
« Reply #2 on: November 05, 2020, 10:50:39 am »
If you're getting white smoke at idle, I'd be pulling the spark plugs out and checking for coolant ingress (the plug(s) will have a pinkish tinge to them) if there is coolant going into the cylinders.
« Last Edit: November 05, 2020, 10:52:58 am by GVK »
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Offline mjmallia

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Re: Mk5 GTI (BPY) with 160k experiencing coolant loss
« Reply #3 on: November 05, 2020, 03:55:12 pm »
There is also a plastic junction for coolant that comes out the side of the block, below the vacuum pump.

Quite a common one for leaks
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Mike

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S3 8L ---- Golf Mk4 GT TDI ---- Lupo GTI ----  A4 B6 Sline ---- Golf Mk5 GTI

Offline titchy

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Re: Mk5 GTI (BPY) with 160k experiencing coolant loss
« Reply #4 on: November 06, 2020, 09:22:30 am »
Get a pressure test
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Offline LC5F

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Re: Mk5 GTI (BPY) with 160k experiencing coolant loss
« Reply #5 on: November 06, 2020, 08:17:34 pm »
Quote from: titchy on November 06, 2020, 09:22:30 am
Get a pressure test

That /\

If you are using G13 coolant it should leave a trail
Heater matrix weeping?
Steam could just be condensation in the exhaust - your just noticing it as you are actively looking for reasons and the temperature has just dropped in the last couple of months
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