MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => Mk5 General Area => Topic started by: OllieVRS on February 20, 2023, 05:41:40 pm

Title: Crack near top of coolant expansion tank
Post by: OllieVRS on February 20, 2023, 05:41:40 pm
Hey guys,

just noticed a tiny crack near the top of my coolant expansion tank, that has made the coolant level rise, I assume due to a loss in coolant pressure? On a hot engine coolant is fizzling out at the crack.

Last time I checked the coolant level it was barely above minimum, due to a very slow leak somewhere, so it's a suprise to now see it above max now on a cold engine. Engine's not overheating or anything.

Is it safe to keep driving for now? I've got a road trip from Dublin to Belfast so I need to know if it's something to get sorted ASAP or not.

Thanks  :smiley:


(https://i.postimg.cc/kGP4HZ58/PXL-20230220-164548371-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/r0gM0fxF)
Title: Re: Crack near top of coolant expansion tank
Post by: terrier on February 20, 2023, 05:49:02 pm
You will more than likely get a "STOP" warning light when the coolant gets lower.  Id be tempted to seal it with hot melt or glue for a temp fix  then replace when possible.
Title: Re: Crack near top of coolant expansion tank
Post by: OllieVRS on February 20, 2023, 06:27:49 pm
Quote from: terrier on February 20, 2023, 05:49:02 pm
You will more than likely get a "STOP" warning light when the coolant gets lower.  Id be tempted to seal it with hot melt or glue for a temp fix  then replace when possible.

I actually have experienced that heart-attack-inducing message pop up once, when I forgot to turn on the fans after replacing the thermostat. So I'll know it when I see it thanks  :happy2:

On a side note, my 06 Octy (registered may 2006, in the UK) doesn't have a display like other 06s which is a bit weird. I just get the flashing and beeping red light of death instead.
Title: Re: Crack near top of coolant expansion tank
Post by: Flyingscotsman on February 20, 2023, 06:36:38 pm
I'd try a temporary fix with epoxy or hard plastic padding.  Siphon out some of the coolant so that its below level of crack then carefully clean and dry before applying the epoxy.   Best to replace as soon as possible as its under pressure.
Title: Re: Crack near top of coolant expansion tank
Post by: GreigC on February 20, 2023, 06:45:30 pm
Something important like this for the engine…. personally I’d just change the tank. Either get a 2nd hand one or new. I wouldn’t be using glue or something to repair it when it’s under pressure.
Title: Re: Crack near top of coolant expansion tank
Post by: steve4934 on February 21, 2023, 12:18:16 am
A new tank is about a tenner from ECP and takes about 10 minutes to fit, be quicker to do that than try and bodge it.
Title: Re: Crack near top of coolant expansion tank
Post by: OllieVRS on February 21, 2023, 09:16:07 am
Ok thanks for your replies guys - will try and get a new FEBI one today as that's what's available locally. Will let you know how the install goes.

Not doing a temporary fix as this may just lead to a dramatic explosion at motorway speed which I'm not exactly a fan of  :grin:
Title: Re: Crack near top of coolant expansion tank
Post by: OllieVRS on February 22, 2023, 04:46:49 pm
Alright expansion tank replaced now, got a new OEM one from my local VW dealer for €37 as that was the closest one available to where I live.

Old

(https://i.postimg.cc/3xTbQ3NC/PXL-20230221-171657464.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/jLMhz0zL)

New

(https://i.postimg.cc/rmKfNmZc/PXL-20230221-175709960.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/gXbyYYPB)

Surprisingly one of the easiest and quickest repair jobs I've ever done on the car, took about 15 minutes. I even had a pick ready to remove stuck hoses but they only needed a few jabs before sliding right off.  :smiley:

Absolutely no reason to even consider a temporary fix if you're able to source the parts locally, it's such an easy job.

Thanks for the advice lads  :happy2: