LEAFS

Hey guys, new on the forum here..
Been reading the posts for a while, and its really helped me with a few things
I just got a 2002 3.0 a4 in august, and only drove 5k, its at 112k now..
Ive had to refill coolant 4 times now!! it keeps leaking out, and I took it to 2 mechanics and they can't seem to find what's wrong..
2 days ago, my car started rumbling when im driving really slow (0-10km/h), and Im thinking its something with the cylinders..
Can you guys throw some ideas out at what the problem might be?? I don't know what to do, and I can't wait any longer, will take it to another mechanic within next couple of days!
Cheers

MikekiM@PureMS

Are there any visible leaks? Coolant is bright pink colored normally and usually pretty easy to spot if it's leaking external of the engine.

If it's an internal leak, usually a compression test can help to determine if there's a problem that you can't see.

Last, you can always send your oil out for analysis, to a company like Blackstone. They'll determine if there's coolant in the oil, and give you an idea if it's a serious problem.

MikTip

If there are no visable external leaks, it maybe leaking internally, somewhere inside the motor...

Have so-called mechanic perform a pressure check of your coolant system, and pull all 4 spark plugs to visually look down in the cylinders for signs of coolant.

LEAFS

There are no visible external leaks, I as well asthe "mechanics" checked everywhere around and under the front, with no signs of coolant anyhwere...Im also assuming that it is an internal leakage...so if it is in the engine, what could the consequences be??

MikTip

First- the internal leaks needs to correctly identified, so the proper fix can be made. This way your not wasting time and money.

You might want to switch mechanics, for a better diagnosis of the problem.

Consequences...at this point get it properly diagnosed first. ;o)

MikekiM@PureMS

If the leak is internal, you'll need to first determine where the problem is. A common problem is failure of the oil cooler, which can cause cross contamination between the oil and coolant. A relatively easy fix.

A more serious problem could be a head gasket, causing leaking of the coolant into the combustion chamber. This usually can be determined by a compression test.

Both of these conditions should have been caught by a reasonably competent mechanic.

MikTip

Re: should have been caught by a reasonably competent mechanic...*Ding!* ;o)

LEAFS

yeah your right, maybe ill take it to audi, they should probably have better idea...
What could the rumbling be though?? Would that be from one of the cylinders giving out? Or what else could it be?

Thanks for your help guys!!

Denim'03

Does the 3.0 even have an oil cooler?

MikTip

Should be under the oil-filter...