Golf V Radiator Leak

ml100

Hi,

I had the STOP ENGINE” “Check Coolant” warning come on my 2005 1.9 TDI Golf yesterday, I checked the oil and water about 1000 Km ago all were ok, looking around the engine there is no sign of a leak, except the bottom of the radiator did look a little damp (not sure if it is water splashed up from the road!), I've done about 100 Km since I topped up with water and the level doesn't seem to have dropped.

I will take the car to the garage during the week for them to have a look, if it does turn out to be the radiator, how much would I be looking at to get it replaced, also can you use RadWeld or something similar in these cars ?,

Xpro

Dont use radweld. It will do more harm then good. Try novastop if you dont want to replace the rad.

Rads are weak spot on them, the bottom corners corrode and leak.
Somora sells aftermarket rads, not to expensive

rebel.ranter

You should be able to pick up a replacement rad from Otto or the like for between €110-€160 plus VAT. They sell "Nissens" brand radiators for most German makes/models. You could be looking at €300 for a main dealer OEM VW one, no harm to get a price yourself though.
You'll also need a coolant mix or coolant & distilled water. The system will need to be flushed & bled. No more than an hour (should be less) for an experienced mechanic.

ml100

It was the radiator, €390 to replace in the main dealer

George Dalton

For future reference you could have gotten that job done much cheaper by going to an independent garage. It is pointless bringing a soon-to-be eight year old car to a main dealer IMO.

ml100

100% agree on indy garage but needed to get it fixed, dealer is 100 yards from work, no independant garage near work and no holidays left this time of the year to take it someone else!