VW Golf Mk5 - Coolant level issues

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Wed 4 Jul 2012 11:58
VW Golf Mk5 - Coolant level issues - cws
I've got a Golf Mk5 1.9TDI (2004 - 125K) and for the last 4months I've been having some really odd issues with the coolant/level.

From time to time the coolant level light comes on, and when you look at the coolant, it is around 2-3cm below the min. level. However, when you undo the expansion cap, there's a big whoosh of pressure and the level rises back to normal. And this has gone on and on, with no apparent signs of coolant loss - just the level sucking down when the engine is run, plus loads more pressure than you would expect, in the expansion tank.

If you open the tank cap immediately after the engine has been running for 30mins plus, as you undo the cap air bubbles and coolant start coming out of the overflow pipe section join - surely this should be sealed? Plus the coolant is really foaming inside the tank.

The coolant system has been bled several times to try and remove any air, the heaters are working fine and there's no film of oil/smell of fumes in the expansion tank and no signs of coolant in the oil.

I'm at a loss and would appreciate any suggestions!
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Wed 4 Jul 2012 12:05
VW Golf Mk5 - Coolant level issues - Cris_on_the_gas

I think your looking for a problem that isn't there.

Coolant should be at minimum level when engine is cold, from what you say this is achieved when the engine is hot. I would top up to min level when cold and see how you go.

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Wed 4 Jul 2012 12:17
VW Golf Mk5 - Coolant level issues - Peter.N.
If you are getting a 'whoosh' from your filler cap when the engine is cold you have head gasket leakage.
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Wed 4 Jul 2012 12:32
VW Golf Mk5 - Coolant level issues - Peter D

Find a garage to test your header tank for combustion fumes. I suspect a weeping head gasket. Regards Peter

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