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Golf Mk7 1.6tdi SE 140k miles - Coolong system - privateinvestor

Hi folks, car heater output low or non existent and low coolant light comes on some time, top is around half a mug full every 1000 miles or so. I thought it was dodgy heater matrix,- not so. Called RAC - very smart guy poked and prodded around with UV light, could see no obvious leaks - no leaks at bulkhead and no leaks under dashboard, Did a pressure test (5mns), said very small leak evident. Then did a chemical test and said small signs of colour change indicates mixing of water in exhausts, his suggestion a faulty EGR/leaking cooler.

Spoke to local garage suggest retest following system pressure test as pressure test needs to be done for at least 15 mins - £40 to recheck for leaks.

Any suggestions folks would be appreciated?

Thanks

Golf Mk7 1.6tdi SE 140k miles - Coolong system - elekie&a/c doctor
Egr valve and coolers are a common failure on this model . VW dealers charge around £1k to do these . Real pig of a job . As for the heater problem, does your coolant bottle have the word “silikat” printed on the top ?
Golf Mk7 1.6tdi SE 140k miles - Coolong system - privateinvestor

Thanks, the combined EGR valve and EGR cooler from TPS is circa £330.

Edited by privateinvestor on 30/06/2021 at 10:40

Golf Mk7 1.6tdi SE 140k miles - Coolong system - Railroad.

Spoke to local garage suggest retest following system pressure test as pressure test needs to be done for at least 15 mins - £40 to recheck for leaks.

I wouldn't take too much notice of what your garage says here. Pressure testing a cooling system at 5 psi is normally more than enough to find any leak, especially on a cold engine. Often pumping up the system too high can actually seal leaks leading you to believe there isn't one at all. If it takes 15 minutes to leak then it's a very minor leak.

Golf Mk7 1.6tdi SE 140k miles - Coolong system - sammy1

Any problem is annoying but this is one you can live with as long as you continue to keep an eye on it