Coolant leak

[steve2003rs6]

Losing 1 litre of coolant a week. Car into local vw garage today for diagnostic.
New oil cooler new rad and all hoses required.

Also leaking from plugs ? Apparently engine out job to do these. They have suggested some special additive in the coolant to hopefully cure this problem.
Have never liked doing this. Any thoughts guys.

All of the above using original parts and labour estimated at 3.5K

Having spent 10k last year Not sure if I should call it a day or persevere with my pride and joy

[srichards]

You need to get it to a proper RS specialist. I wouldn't let a boggo VW garage anywhere near mine.

I"d also be wondering whether any of the work done before could have caused any of the issues you have now. Worth investigating first.

[Classik]

Bufkin pipe? If so, it doesn't need an engine out job.

[steve2003rs6]

Thank you both for the advice. Sounds like I need to give grizz a call and go to unit 20.

[simonpoulton]

Seems like they are suggesting changing a whole bunch of stuff via a scattergun diagnostic approach. Coolant leaking on the rad generally leaves a residue so have they actually eyeballed the leak? Buffkin pipe leaks visibly as I recall from other people on this thread.

Also check the header tank as at this age they start to crack and they are like under 20 quid to fix.

[steve2003rs6]

Thanks Simon. Had a lot of work done last year. Car has been faultless until recently. Then coolant low alarm came on. Topped up with a litre. Ok for a week then alarm on again.

Had the cam belt done 2 years ago. Advised that the cooler/hose union corroded and slightly weeping.

On ramp yesterday. Visual coolant leakage bottom of rad and rear of engine but could not pinpoint exact location.

Garage currently putting a quote together but expect it to be 3.5 to 4 K
Don’t like the idea of additive in the coolant to “fix” the leak on the rear of engine “core plugs”

Am happy to have the work done as I love this car but the grief I get at home for another garage bill is sending me nuts.

[srichards]

You can drop the front into a service position and get at quite a lot of things that way. I'm sure I had a front coolant pipe done by that method.

Core plug leaks seem surprising.

[steve2003rs6]

I think the mechanic was best guessing at core plugs. To be fair couldn’t see exact location of the leak.
If bufkin pipe is at rear of engine then that is probably where the rear leak is coming from.
Regards Steve

[srichards]

Another reason not to let them anywhere near it. Get it back before they start taking it to bits.

[steve2003rs6]

Not in the garage. It’s at home and I am still using it.
Expecting quote on Monday as they are having problems with availability of 1 of the coolant pipes.
Phoned unit 20 this morning but no answer. So sent grizz a message. Taking all your comments on board. Think unit 20 is my best bet.

[Classik]

If the diagnostic is confirmed, Bufkin pipe is part #13, left side of the car (when facing the engine), above the alternator. Shitty job as it's all very tight but feasible.
You want the metallic upgrade pipe like this one https://www.ebay.com/itm/Water-pipe-fit ... 1804629451 and certainly not the original plastic one which will fail again at some point.
There is a kit (part 15A / 077198405) of all surrounding o-rings / seals, particularly a weird 8-shaped seal. Can be found here for instance : https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AUDI-Engine- ... SwzaJX~2Ta

(disclaimer : can't confirm the quality of those links provided as examples)

[steve2003rs6]

Many thanks classik. Appreciate the diagram. Hopefully get it to unit 20 ASAP.
Had the car 8 pleasurable years. Last couple of years have been very expensive.
But nothing else makes me smile the way this car does.

[steve2003rs6]

Spoke to grizz. Expecting to visit unit20 next week 350 miles round trip.
Local garage quoted £4.2 k and they are expecting other issues.
Don’t need any excuse to enjoy 350 miles inmy pride and joy.
Divorced shortly after ?

[srichards]

Just take plenty of coolant mix with you!

Leave brochures out for the new one and say how much cheaper it is to have an older one

[steve2003rs6]

Ha ha. Seen a 2010 RS6 Plus with 70k miles on it advertised for £24500.
Must admit she does look nice.
Very tempted or continue with the 2003 one I have with 106 k miles.
Thing is I have had a lot of work done to mine and invested quite a lot, also have all the history of what’s been done.
So probably continue with mine and spend another 4 to 5 K on her.