Massive Coolant Leak
#11
AudiWorld Super User
Keep in mind that the D3 alternator is water-cooled using the vehicle's cooling system. Since coolant is pouring out from/near the alternator, use standard automotive troubleshooting techniques to find the leak. Fill the cooling system with plain old water. Distilled is best for purists, but let's be honest here, it is just going to leak out. Figure out the source of the leak by looking until you find it. Then repair.
#12
AudiWorld Super User
Like everyone has posted , it probably is a hose that has either gone bad or it came off. You had all that owk done to the engine so a hose clamp coming off is possible. You are correct it is not your heater core. Once you get your system from leaking, you will have heat again.
#13
Banned
Safety first !!!
Please do not go under the vehicle using that spare tire jack, and put in place some jack stands, I was changing a flat one night, and that piece of garbage of a jack collapsed !!
#14
Keep in mind that the D3 alternator is water-cooled using the vehicle's cooling system. Since coolant is pouring out from/near the alternator, use standard automotive troubleshooting techniques to find the leak. Fill the cooling system with plain old water. Distilled is best for purists, but let's be honest here, it is just going to leak out. Figure out the source of the leak by looking until you find it. Then repair.
#15
I just poured pure water in the empty coolant tank and it leaked straight out . Now that it is light outside, it looks like it is coming from right above the alternator dripping down....
#16
AudiWorld Super User
See: https://www.audiworld.com/forums/a6-...-leak-1705418/
Or: Oil Cooler Plastic Pipe In A8 D3 - AudiAudi
Or just Google something like "Audi 4.2 oil cooler pipe". Add "site:audiworld.com" if you want to search just here, and maybe D3 and/or A8 to try to hit just our cars. Lots of posts and history on it, plus some vendors who sell a machined tube like from the intake links guys.
#17
AudiWorld Member
#18
Thanks for the info MP4.2+6.0, you've always been helpful. I tinkered with the oil cooler idea, but I am just so surprised at how much is leaking at one time. I thought that oil cooler leaks would leak slowly, or at least not as much as it is currently. I am going to take it to a mechanic tomorrow, as I do not have any of my tools where I am at. Sadly, not many VW/Audi specialists where I am located, and my normal mechanic is in San Diego...
#19
#20
Took it to a specialist today and they said indeed it is the oil cooler. They said they are going to charge me around $1800 to do it. But my discrepancy is the price of the oil cooler. Online, at ECStuning, it stated that it is $264 and at the local dealership, it is $350. He said the cost of it is around $700, which I know is darn outrageous. But of course I only receive the warranty if they get the parts....