Mystery Coolant Loss

edco · October 7th, 2006, 14:01

Greetings
Bought a week ago, the coolant lite came on. I refilled it with VW Coolant, but became aware of the wet spots under the passenger side of belly pan. Today, when I had another pair of eyes to help (thanks Daedalus!), we tried to find it.. traced all the hoses we could see from the top..nothing.

Jack was able to point some wetness on the belly pan, but neither of us could spot any hoses weeping. Also checked the plug to make sure there was no coolant migration. All dry.

Since I have an OEM metal belly pan, it looks like I'm going to have to put it up on ramps tomorrow, to remove it and look for leaks, BUT in the meantime, anyone have any ideas..

Thanks as always

ED in Metuchen

wny_pat · October 7th, 2006, 14:28

Did you do coolant migration mod? Is it coming from there?

whitedog · October 7th, 2006, 14:38

How about that coolant temp sensor. I recall hearing of someone with that problem.

edco · October 7th, 2006, 16:19

re: coolant migration.. checked. it is not coming from there

re: cts..nothing at coolant temp sensor that I could feel/see

whitedog · October 7th, 2006, 17:23

This coolant will dry to a pink crust and point to the source. Keep an eye out for this.

That's about all the help I can be via the innyweb.

rdkern · October 7th, 2006, 17:36

Coolant migration is not this. Coolant migration shows little change in coolant levels. Coolant migration is an electrical issue - not a coolant loss issue.

Please - look for coolant migration "signs" but you will not likely notice it by loosing coolant. You will see it by looking into the plug, and if no coolant there, you don't have it.

edco · October 13th, 2006, 15:02

Bad News: Worn water pump at only 47,000 miles

Good news: Diagnosis and repair (incl new timig belt kit) by Rich

A terrific mechanic, charming host and fair prices..what else ya want?

Thanks

Ed in Metuchen

McBrew · October 14th, 2006, 08:12

Quote:

Coolant migration is not this.

wny_pat wasn't talking about coolant migration... but the coolant migration mod (drilling/burning a hole in the collar around the coolant level sensor). If coolant were to start leaking from the sensor probes, the coolant would drip out of the weep hole.