Hi,I have recently bought an 1998 Audi A3 1.6 sport, air conditioning model. And around a few weeks ago the coolant warning light came on, so i topped up the coolant and the light went off, but the coolant level keeps on dropping. I noticed that a hose connected to the coolant reservoir was sticky underneath. So could a faulty hose be the cause of the coolant level dropping?(p.s. i have been told that the head gasket could be to blame, but in the coolant tank there would be mudy looking water, and there isnt so i dont think this is to blame)
Any help and advice would be great, cheers.
Matt.
(also if any other causes could be to blame for the problem could you please tell me, and a rough guide on how much it would cost to get fixed. Thanks, Matt.)

 

Have you checked whether coolant is dripping under the car?

The radiator in my '06 developed a leak and was replaced under warranty by Glendale Audi in Calgary, while I was on vacation in the Banff, Albertaarea. There was no apparent cause from a rock or whatever, and the radiator is quite well protected both front and rear, andthe driving we were doing hadn't exposed it to anything damaging.

 

You definitely have a coolant leak problem. I would trace all of the hoses and parts back to the engine block for leaks or tears. It might be as simple as a blown hose, or it could be worse. Get a flashlight and a screwdriver and get digging a little. Good luck!


Cheers!