So I just noticed that the coolant was really low in my shark,the temp gauge was being a little irratic. so I put more distilled water in as the res was empty. I have not noticed any water leaks, steam, etc. and the radiator is new. Anybody have any thoughts as to some possible culprits... thanks Mark

 

Mark,

How does the oil look?

 

Oil at the dipstick and filler looks ok no evidence of beige oil water gunk. However, there is a leak. It doesn't seem to start until the car is warmed up. I can't tell where it's coming from but the water drips off of the oil pan...
update: So after looking some more and talking to Susan at Devek things are seeming to point to the waterpump, which was just replaced with the TB job. They are gonna take a look at it later next week. Mark

 

Drip off the front or rear of the oil pan?

Remember that heater control valve? That and the short hose between it and the block is a likely source for the rear.

In the front, various hoses that go into the thermostat manifold area may have a lose clamp. I spotted a wet area at the top of the water pump after I did my TB/WP. I thought the WP was leaking, but eventually I saw a drop fall off the small return hose above the WP. Snugged up the clamp I left loose during the job.

We can look at it tomorrow at Beth's.

 

Bill,

You may be on to the source of the leak. At the rear of the engine, right under the air filter assy' are two water passages. One is capped and the other is an elbow feeding the heater valve. When I had the engine out of the S4, I noticed the gasket on the elbow (passenger side) was leaking coolant. Easy fix with the engine out, but just as easy to fix with the removal of the lower portion of the air cleaner assy'. Heater valve, gaskets are all easy to inspect and fix if need be. The expansion tank is fairly easy to check and fix as well. Try removing the passenger wheel and aft wheel well cover...you'll see the tank and inspect for leaks. Good luck.

 

I had a similar problem I posted on another thread, after some suggestions on what to do I went to Autozone and got a coolant system pressure tester to see if I could find the leak. Just attach to reservoir in place of cap and pressurize the system then look for leaks. Found mine in the seal in the thermostat housing assembly where the pipe attaches to the block on the driver side, there is a rubber gasket in there, must be bad.All I have to do now is figure out how to get at it. Any suggestions anyone?

P.S. Autozone has 100 tools you can "rent" mine required $75 deposit, will get all back upon return>

 

Well, my coolant leak stopped for a while and now it is back! The interesting thing is it only leaks after the engine gets warmed up, say after about 5 minutes. Now I am wondering if it may not be the water pump after all... Mark

 

When Jeff brought his '89 by so we could do the MAF, oil change,, etc - I was getting coolant in the eye when removing the belly pans.
This had the gut wrenching look of a failed water pump. Traced the dribble under the covers - and when the hoses were pulled to do a TB retension, the 1" hose under the top rad hose on the engine was the leaker!!! ( crusty residue in the valley in front of the T-stat housing)
This is the 3rd I've seen like this.: a very hot zone, and the hose softens and balloons ....
If leaking at the front, check that spot ... before diving into the wallet for a pump.

 

BTDT. It would leak into the valley and thats why I never saw anything. And when i did see it down there, i thought i had busted a head gasket. Turned out to be that stinking 3" hose.

 

So, it builds pressure then leaks. You have to get undermeath with the bellypans off to try to trace the route. The water pump is possible - that would drip down the front, of course. There are more likely sources, but the WP shaft seal is possible.

 

I had a similar issue, lost coolant but did not know where from.. Turned out my overflow tank had split at the seam and would dribble out. Not enough to notice, and would only do so when warm, I guess the added pressure squeezed it through the gap. Only noticed after I did my intake R&R.

HTH..

Nick
'88 S4 5Spd

 

well the leak definitely comes from the front and it seems that it is pressure related (I was thinking some sort of bypass valve that opened when things got warm, but that doesn't seem to be a possiblity) so perhaps the newly installed pump (with TB) is back on the most likely list. M

 

When my WP went it exhibited the same symptoms. Only leaked when car stopped. I hope it's not, but all the signs indicate WP. You should be able to atleast take off the camshaft covers and watch the leak once the cars off.

 

Oscar, dont think you can see the water expansion tank from under a fender!! That will be the screen washer tank surely?
jp 83 Euro S AT 49k