Metal coolant line help
 

Okay so i went to a local Audi specialist shop recently and while in there they told me there is a small hole in the metal coolant bypass line that goes into the back of the block and services the cylinders... they quoted me at around $2000 if memory serves me correct to fix the problem due to the fact they would have to pull the top of the motor off and replace several gaskets while they were in there. Does this seam reasonable? Also how hard would this be to replace myself? Me and the old man are mechanically competent and do most work ourselves. Last but not least am i doing damage to the motor driving it the way it is? It doesn't leak coolant too fast but i definitely have noticed my reservoir going down and there is definitely a faint burning smell once the motor is up to temp, been that way for quite some time now.. Any thoughts/comments/help is MUCH appreciated!! THANKS!!

$2k is a bit more if you can handle the repair yourself. And it is better to replace the leaking tube before it gets too late!! Don't wait until the engine seizes down completely to only leave you into expensive repairs.

Those tubes are a bear to replace.
what engine do you have?

Oops - sorry. Its a 99' A6 Quattro with the 2.8l N/A... Yeah i can't even find a part number or locate these tubes anywhere online, not even sure what they're called. Might have to just pay to have them replaced but i figured if anyone had done it might give it a try.

Nonsense
 

I would first try to put some epoxy on the hole and see how the pressure holds up. Paying 2,000 dollars for that job is horse dung. I HATE some mechanics.

The trick is to go to the Audi Dealer, get an estimate for the parts and then take it elsewhere.

This problem is common on the 2000, and 1999 A6 Quattro for some strange reason. It will probably be a pinhole sized hole. The part is also available on ebay on various german sites. Simply google the part and you will find it. This is a maximum 5 hour job, so for the jerk that quoted you 2,000 for parts and labor, thats like 150% than what it should be.

You should name the extortionist that quoted you so we all know never to go there.

P.S. try googling WATER COOLANT PIPE. Also, remember, the Passat Pipe will work on it as well. But make sure you have the correct part.