2001 Volkswagen Polo coolant loss maybe headgasket problem
Year: 2001
Variant: colour concept 1.4 tdi
Categories:
Leaks & Noises
Hi there. I have a 2001 Volkswagen Polo Colour Concept 1.4 tdi 3 cylinder. It has done 106,000 miles. Right the issue with this car is that when I take it on a good run for example a 20-30 min long run on the motorway/ring roads, the coolant will near enough empty, so it's losing a lot of water. Now I can't see any leaks, but when I put my foot down the car chucks out black smoke, not sure if this is due to it being remapped or because of the headgasket. Also when I put the heaters on, there is a horrible smell that comes in to the car, as if someone burnt something in the oven. The oil looks fine. The coolant bottle is a bit dark at the bottom of it and no matter how hot the engine is when you open the coolant cap it doesn't chuck out water so it wouldn't burst open like most cars. The car doesn't get overheated, but loses water a lot. Please can you help me as I don't know where this water is going. How can I physically check the headgasket or check for a crack in the head of the engine? Thanks
Posted: Oct 7, 2012 (11 years ago)
To check for headgasket problem. You can get a block test done, whcih most garages can do if not most engineering places will. ie: Engine rebuild centres. Avoid if can Main dealerships.
It proberly cost around £20 to £30. Consists of a blue fluid in a tube put in the hole of the header tank or Rad and at running temp normally using a lemon shape pump, pulls the fliud up and any gases in system with it. If there is a leak where gases from engine are entering system, the fluid will change to a yellow/Green colour. If not detected will stay Blue. Sometimes you can check yourself. NOT while hot but if your brave smell for petrol smell in header tank or dip a rag in it to the water and smell the rag for fuels and gases.
It proberly cost around £20 to £30. Consists of a blue fluid in a tube put in the hole of the header tank or Rad and at running temp normally using a lemon shape pump, pulls the fliud up and any gases in system with it. If there is a leak where gases from engine are entering system, the fluid will change to a yellow/Green colour. If not detected will stay Blue. Sometimes you can check yourself. NOT while hot but if your brave smell for petrol smell in header tank or dip a rag in it to the water and smell the rag for fuels and gases.
Posted Oct 7, 2012 (11 years ago)
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