Coolant level warning light....

[55marcuss]

A tricky one?
The coolant level warning light came on just after the engine was started. Switched off the engine - needed to add 1.5 litres of coolant. Car fine for several days doing 120 miles a day. Then drove down to euro tunnel and the coolant light came on when I stooped at check in. Turned engine off, opened bonnet, no fans were running but needed 2litres of water to top it up, ran engine for few seconds, then switched off. Still no fans running after the engine was off. Drove through France, Belgium and Holland at a steady 120km/h and all fine until I came down the slip road at Amsterdam and the coolant light came on again. Same story, 2 litres of water and no fans running. Took the car straight to the Audi franchise by the motorway and told them all the facts. They kept the car for three weeks , had the front off, changed the thermostat, water pump and various hoses and pressure checked it. Got it back, drove to the tunnel, same thing again - exact same symptoms....
Any body got any ideas?
Facts are:
Fans run when engine is on but not at all when it is off.
Temperature gauge behaves normally but never goes over 90.
When accellerating there is an acrid smell of coolant inside the car.

I am sure there is a leak - but where is it ??

[55marcuss]

PS - car in question is a C5 RS6 , 05 Reg..

[bam_bam]

Are fans meant to run when the engine is off, is anything meant to be happening with the engine in the off position?
No doubt you have a leak, especially under load. Take it to a specialist or Camberly Audi.
My 2p worth and you get what you pay for.

[slimmyreed]

If you can smell coolant in the car I would check the heatermatrix. Is your carpet damp in the front footwells?

[RS6Steve]

If you can smell coolant in the car I would check the heatermatrix. Is your carpet damp in the front footwells?

I do believe there are a couple of coolant pipes that run between the bulkhead and engine, and they quite often leak. A bitch of a job fix I'm affraid.

[paul_23]

Check the coolant expansion tank screw cap as mine leaked and let coolant seap out and it goes near the air intake so that might explain the smell.

You are losing serious amounts of coolant so can't they pressurise the system and see it pissing out? If they dont see any losses in the hoses and tank then it could be a cracked head or breach in the block so does your car sound like ivor the engine or create steam out of the exhaust (mooch knows about this.....).

[55marcuss]

If you can smell coolant in the car I would check the heatermatrix. Is your carpet damp in the front footwells?

I do believe there are a couple of coolant pipes that run between the bulkhead and engine, and they quite often leak. A bitch of a job fix IThanks for the tips guys, I have checked under the front matts but no dampness - will have to check it after a longer run.
I should also mention that in addition to the 3 weeks and €2500 spent in Audi Netherlands , I am also down 3 weeks and £1000 to Audi Northampton. All to no avail...
Since the warranty company insist on Audi repairs I cant take it to Independent outfits - but they also wont pay for work done which does not fix the problem...
I am in the Reading area but will travel if it means finding a clued-up outfit - and I wont touch Reading Audi based on previous experience...
Are Camberly Audi my best bet?

[Daveperc]

Camberley are defo your best bet - give Rob a ring and tell him you came because of the forums.

Dave

PS - don't try racing his little Fiat though........

[p3u]

if you can take a look under the car with the belly pan off. If you see coolant dripping out from the transmission its coming from the secondary water pump. Mine had me stumped on where my colant leak was until I took off the manifold and discovered it failed. Somehow it drains down the tranny.

[Balchy]

I work in Reading, live nr High Wycombe, and completely with you on local franchises. I'd try MRC (Banbury) who are not too far.

[55marcuss]

I have replaced the expansion tank cap and can still smell the coolant when the engine is warm and under load, so its not that - unfortunately! But seven odd quid well spent as the old one had had some real use...
Am thinking that if it turns out to be the head I might be better with an independent place...?

[Shoppinit]

Probably. Where are you based?

[IGO300]

I had same problem recently.
Turned out to be water pump.
Cost approx $1500 aust incl labour.
Sorry for bad news

[IGO300]

I had same problem recently.
Turned out to be water pump.
Cost approx $1500 aust incl labour.
Sorry for bad news

[chunky79]

I had same problem recently.
Turned out to be water pump.
Cost approx $1500 aust incl labour.
Sorry for bad news

So why rub it in and post twice?