GHart81

It's been a while since I logged on but I have a question. I have noticed coolant leaking from the bottom left (facing the car) area of my car. I took the bottom plastic cover off and couldn't see anything leaking. From the wet area on the plastic bottom cover it seems to be coming from around the oil filter area. This is strange as it does not leak all the time only when I drive consistently for long periods of time (like on my 50 mile trip to work). I notice it leaks a bit (small puddle) then stops. Seems like it is a seal or maybe the water pump. I took it to a local mechanic (not much experience with A8's) and he couldn't get it to leak on two separate occasions. I gather after watching it over the last few weeks that it leaks only when engine is stopped and is cooling down. Doesn't seem to leak while engine is on.

Does anyone have any idea what this could be? I was told to take it to the dealer but am hesitant to do so until I have a handle on some possible cause for the leak. I am thinking water pump since I have not changed it & it has 135k on it (I know that needs changed). Is this related or is it maybe the oil cooler? Is that in the area that I mentioned?

Any recommendations for mechanics in Columbus Ohio area that could do the job cheaper than dealer?

Thanks all for the help...

G. Hart

airbil

<ul><li><a href="http://www.audipages.com/Tech_Articles/enginemechanical/oilcoolerremovalreinstall.html">PW to the rescue ... again</a></li></ul>

escapA8

<center><img src="http://thenorthendwrench.com/images/Building_Front_Edited.jpg"></center><p>
coolant reservoir actually gone down?

Here's a mechanic I've been bringing my car to with good results:<ul><li><a href="http://thenorthendwrench.com/">http://thenorthendwrench.com/</a</li></ul>

GHart81

Hello...yes it has been a while. We have to get back together. Send me an email...

Yes...it has gone down. I can go about a week or so before I have to fill back up to "max".

Thanks for the mechanic...I will give them a call today.

G. Hart

JimR

Plan on pre-emptively replacing those when I do the timing belt/water pump.

SWiseman

If you haven't done the timing belt service and also replaced the water pump and the other wear items that you would when replacing the timing belt, then now would be a great time to go in and do all the service repair work and take care of the oil cooler leak also.

Good Luck.