Any mechanics about...

scheming_gypsy

Before i try and dig out my login details for honestjohn can anybody here help.

My MKIII Golf VR6 (N Reg) is going through water something shocking. At first i thought there might be another leaky water tank but a quick inspection doesn't show any leaks.
After every trip the water light is flashing but it never happens mid journey always after i've parked up for a bit and then driven off. Somebody mentioned getting it pressure tested but i've noticed that the fan doesn't seem to kick in so i'm guessing there's a problem with the fan which is causing the water to boil dry

what are the first things to check before taking it to a garage.. does it run off a fuse that also runs anything else so i can see if thats working or not.

harveybobbles

Water pump leaking?
Head gasket?
Loose hose?
Bust jubilee clip?

albertross_2

It's a sealed system (or should be), so shouldn't boil dry, it's coming out somewhere, if it is a leak, you should be able to see steam when it is hot, or water marks when cold. Unless it is coming out of the exhaust..(anything creamy on top of the oil filler cap?)

You could try a bit of radweld

steveo3002

my guess is headgasket...should be fairly simple for a garage to confirm this

scheming_gypsy

can't see any leaks, could be the head gasket but i hope it ain't. I've checked the oil and it isn't cloudy.

Just seems a coincidence that its fine when moving but seems to 'leak' when the cars stopped and i can't hear the fan kick in.

scheming_gypsy

not left it idling but driving it never goes past about 90

The_Economist

could be millions of things, as albertross said does it over heat?
Could be a leaking core plug.
Could be radiator drain plug.
could be water drain plug on block leaking.
Could be as simple as a water pipe gone.

The_Economist

scheming_gypsy wrote: »

not left it idling but driving it never goes past about 90

So what is the highest marker on your temp guage.

scheming_gypsy

higher than 90.. without looking i'm guessing it starts at 70 and goes to about 120.

The_Economist

scheming_gypsy wrote: »

i've noticed that the fan doesn't seem to kick in so i'm guessing there's a problem with the fan which is causing the water to boil dry

what are the first things to check before taking it to a garage.. does it run off a fuse that also runs anything else so i can see if thats working or not.

I would'nt of thought it has anything to do with the fan. The fan is there to keep it cool if it gets to hot. You say the temp gauge sits around 90, so its not overheating. But in saying that if you are losing water it would get hot so temp would rise. You could check the fuse and connections near the fan, but it still sound like a leak or possible head gasket issue.

albertross_2

I'd suggest check the fuse, then fillup with water, idle it with bonnet up, checking for leaks/steam, see if the fan kicks in before it gets too high (switch hot blower on and drive around a bit too cool it down before it overheats), and then sit and watch after you have turned engine off. If it is leaking, it should become apparent. Check all the pipes/radiator are getting hot. Check exhaust for excess water. Check level on radiator expansion tank, when it has cooled down, to see if any water has vanished.

Be careful undoing the cap if hot.
Keep your fingers well away from the fan blades at all times, just in case it kicks in, (even when engine is off). I am sounding like a H&S inspector!

A quick google suggests a 91C thermostat, so 90 is normal.