This morning driving to work my 01 a6 2.7 yelled at me that it was over heating and a short time later it was smoking. So after I get it all torn down I'm noticing that it looks like its leaking from around the water pump area maybe even behind it where there is another hose... I haven't been able to take the timing belt off yet to be able to look any further. I'm going to pressure test the system tomorrow Just wondering if anyone has any experience with any leaks around this area. I've just replaced the water pump along with the tensioner and a couple other pulleys that came in a timing belt kit less than a year ago. Just need some guidance thanks

 

My guess is on the 2.7t the secondary coolant pump below the intake manifold has pretty much failed completely. This may look like it's coming from the location of the water pump as it sits right above it, in between the cylinder heads.

 

I've looked down through the and underneath the manifold and it didn't seem like there was anything there and looking down behind and aroundthe power steesteeringp I'm not seeing anything... But I will take a closer look when I get back over to take a closer look at my car... Thanks for the idea

 

ended up being the water pump. Now i need help deciding on what aftermarket water pump i should get because oem is not an option right now at over $300. So does anyone have some input as to who makes a quality water pump because I really do not want to have to pull the front of this car off again.

 

Whatever solution you go with, I would ensure that the impellers are metal and not plastic. I have heard stories where people who went with the plastic impellers had them brake after some use and had to do the job all over again.

That's the crappy part about these cars - You have to take EVERYTHING apart before you can begin the actual service. After a few times you can do it quick, but still, an hour or so of work is still a lot before you can even begin the job!

 

Thanks. Looks like I'm going to go with a graf one because it looks like like its made in Europe and has a metal propeller along with a new ntn timing damper. Thanks for all your help