Do you think this is Head Gasket prob?

[duncs 0]

Hi folks

My VR6 is in the garage today for diagnosis. Basically losing coolant, with coolant light flashing, but no signs of engine overheating and no discernible power loss or steam. No water coming from the exhaust pipe either.

Should these symptoms indicate Head Gasket problems or, due to lack of steam, more likely something like a seal or hose issue? Looked like the leak was from the rad rather than anywhere else. It'd be helpful to have some insight from any of you, before the garage call me, as I'm worried they might say Head Gasket regardless and I'd like to know a bit more about what I'm talking about here.

Thanks!

Duncs

[Seademon 0]

Mine losing coolant too to at the mo - not a lot but it looks as if its going to be the water pump - quite a common problem apparently so worth checking - as long as you dont run out of water the head should be ok! :0) Get a compression test done at the garage, that will tell you if theres a problem with the head gasket too.

[purple highline monster 0]

the amount of peoples water pumps that have been posted on as being knakered this week you can hope its that!!! the rad or water pump are cheap and reasonably east to replace, so fingers crossed.

[stockers 1]

if you have no oil and coolant mixing i'd say it wasn't a head problem, sounds more like a pipe has perished or a sael within a housing (like thermostat housing or similar)has perished

[andy 0]

If you can see water anywhere ie where it is leaking, then its pretty unlikely to be a head gasket issue, much more likely that one of your ancillary pipes or devices is leaking. You need to have a really good look while the car is up to temperature, place cardboard under the engine if necessary and look for drips to help you trace where it is coming from. There are many things other than h/g that could cause coolant loss. Let us know..

[duncs 0]

thanks for your advice guys, much appreciated. and pretty spot on as it happens.

the VW garage which then phoned to inform me that it's the thermostat housing and pipes which have cracked, are leaking and thus need replacing. a sigh of relief was breathed by me - until they told me how much they wanted to charge for it - £220!! ouch :@

duncs