Polo 1.9 Tdi - Loss of coolant

[sumesheng]

Hi Everybody

I'm a bit baffled with the loss of coolant in my 1.9 tdi Polo (96kw) and hope that some of you can provide me with some advice if you have experienced the same.

Recently, I noticed that the coolant level had to be topped up by 300 ml every week. This bothered me so I took it in for a diagnosis where I was told to replace the expansion bottle and radiator. Upon doing so, it made the situation worse, as the coolant had to be topped up everyday.

The oil seems fine as there's no visible sign of mixture of water (creamy stuff). The temp gauge is normal and hasnt moved over the 90 degree temp. No vapor from the exhaust as well.

The repair center also did a pressure test and they couldn't find the fault. There's no sign of leakage on the floor either.

Im really hoping its not anything major

[vee4410]

Check all the coolant lines for leaks and check the timing belt area as the waterpump on these engines do leak when the O ring get worn.

[panic-mechanic]

Blown headgasket is not uncommon on them and it simply burns the water. Not every single blown headgasket results in oil and water mixed.
Also not guaranteed that you will see water vapor specially on a diesel.

[JonaDTD]

These TDi gaskets do go, yeah - and most commonly would not show mixing. Drive the car as normal, then the following morning, try feel the upper water hose. Is it still hard? If you open the expansion bottle, is there a big release of pressure?

[sumesheng]

Thank You all for your replies.

@JonaDTD, yes there was a bit of pressure when I opened up the cap. So I guess this could be a blown head gasket afterall.

Any idea how much this is going to cost approximately?

[JonaDTD]

Thank You all for your replies.

@JonaDTD, yes there was a bit of pressure when I opened up the cap. So I guess this could be a blown head gasket afterall.

Any idea how much this is going to cost approximately?

Sounds like it... Seeing as you replaced the coolant cap already.
Well, where are you based, and how handy are you? That is the main question.

[BIGMIG]

Could also be water pump.

[GremlinCCS]

There's always a little pressure in the system, so if it's just a little it might be something else. But everyone's little are different.

Sent from my E6553 using Tapatalk

[smoke.machine]

Also check condition of thermostat housing. made of plastic ...can also leak there

[LoW n SloW]

blown hg...sorry

[Eddels]

I also had to replace headgasket, water pipes were rock solid hard, did not use any water though. Driving experience were normal.
Do a headgasket leak test maybe

[sumesheng]

Thanks for all your replies.

I have booked the car in to have the everything inspected and repaired if necessary. I'll report back as soon as the repair has been completed.

[JonaDTD]

Thank You all for your replies.

@JonaDTD, yes there was a bit of pressure when I opened up the cap. So I guess this could be a blown head gasket afterall.

Any idea how much this is going to cost approximately?

You will know if there is a lot of pressure, its a big release when the cap opens. A little is normal, a big gush isn't.

[sumesheng]

Thank You all for your replies.

@JonaDTD, yes there was a bit of pressure when I opened up the cap. So I guess this could be a blown head gasket afterall.

Any idea how much this is going to cost approximately?

You will know if there is a lot of pressure, its a big release when the cap opens. A little is normal, a big gush isn't.

I did feel the water pipes and they were not hard as described by Eddles. The pressure was not high at all when i opened up the cap.

[Howie-WP]

If you have G12 coolant, check engine with UV light, to see traces of coolant that might evaporate before it puddles in a location?

[sumesheng]

Ok, I have a small update on my issue.

The head gasket was the culprit causing the coolant loss. Head was tested at an engineering shop and all seemed fine. Once everything was assembled including cam-belt and water-pump, the car had little to no boost and was going into limp mode. I was told by the workshop that the turbo vanes were stuffed up (it was working perfectly prior to the head removal). Fitted a new turbo supplied by VW and now the car is boosting again, but only from around 3000 rpm onward

The technician is still working on the car so im hoping its nothing major. If all else fails..... i'm buying 5l of petrol and a box of matches

[LoW n SloW]

Ok, I have a small update on my issue.

The head gasket was the culprit causing the coolant loss. Head was tested at an engineering shop and all seemed fine. Once everything was assembled including cam-belt and water-pump, the car had little to no boost and was going into limp mode. I was told by the workshop that the turbo vanes were stuffed up (it was working perfectly prior to the head removal). Fitted a new turbo supplied by VW and now the car is boosting again, but only from around 3000 rpm onward

The technician is still working on the car so im hoping its nothing major. If all else fails..... i'm buying 5l of petrol and a box of matches

are you not having, timing issues?

[gumpertapolloss]

Could be a huge vacuum leak as well.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

[sumesheng]

Thanks for replies everyone. Another update

Apparently the injectors were stuffed causing the car to boost above 3000prm. I managed to source a set of second hand injectors and the car now boosts around 1800rpm as per normal. I dont know how they were damaged as the car was driving perfectly before the head was removed.

The car does feel very underpowered but I have no choice to drive it like that for now until the new year.

Cheers!

[JonaDTD]

Thanks for replies everyone. Another update

Apparently the injectors were stuffed causing the car to boost above 3000prm. I managed to source a set of second hand injectors and the car now boosts around 1800rpm as per normal. I dont know how they were damaged as the car was driving perfectly before the head was removed.

The car does feel very underpowered but I have no choice to drive it like that for now until the new year.

Cheers!

Was the head skimmed? This is very common, happened to two guys I know who have had the heads skimmed and the injectors failed shortly after.

[sumesheng]

Yes the head was skimmed unfortunately. It drives ok during short runs however on the highway feels like its holding back and goes into limp mode at times.

[Deranged_9n3]

I also had to replace injectors after skimming my head. Not sure what's the "right" way to do it, but it sure does SUCK replacing them as it's extremely costly. The place that fitted your new turbo, they haven't adjusted the actuator to try and get you earlier boost back in the day when the car only reached full boost at 3500rpm ?? Also, check all vacuum lines from your vacuum box to the end. Lastly, check VCDS to see whatsup, might be under or overboost causing the car to limp. I reckon overboost, since underboost would have cause little to no boost at all