Let the motor run for a little while and check everything with the motor still running. Usually, you can't see a leak until the coolant warms up and is circulating through the system. Also, if you go for a drive somewhere and park for an hour, check under the car to see if there's a wet spot on the ground.

 

ill have to do that then, i had to fill it again today, cause it was really low

 

You won't likely get a puddle under the car if it is the flange. Usually drips on the exhaust and burns off. You will smell it or you will see the residue if you look down from the area above the flange. Typically if it was leaking and you found it loose you are best off to change out the flange. That o-ring seal to the head is a common leak and must be very careful not to pinch the o-ring when torgueing down.

Not an expensive fix ($30ish for the flange w/ oring), just a real PITA to get at. Plan on a good couple hours and peel away as many hoses and lines from the top down so you have as much room as possible to work. And may as well put a new coolant temp sensor while you are there.

Good luck!

 

yea i took it to jeffs and its the coolant flange, im getting it changed this weekend, and i already planned on chaneging the sensor, and my other temp sensor. and apparently my car doesnt like its spark plugs so ima change em because its missing, jeff said thats the prob and that the 1.8t are picky with spark plugs lol. (jeff was a licensed vw mechanic for many years)
this car is getting to be damn expensive, i have over 200$ in it already and am prob looking at another $300 lol
radio
plugs
flange
2 sensors
windshield wipers
cruise control (button dont work)
and prob tires before winter...

 

Not Common. 90% of the Time. I had the Same problem. Lights and everything.

 

You're only getting started. Depending on mileage, you're looking at the Timing Belt job here eventually. That's about 300 bucks for the kit, if you do it yourself. If you're going to have Jeff do it for you, a fair price is about $750.

The 1.8T engine loves to eat spark plugs. Which reminds me, I think I'm about due. If you are running stock boost, .032 is your gap. If you're chipped, .028 is what you need. Also, don't spend a lot of money on expensive plugs. They get eaten just like the cheap ones.

If you're starting to misfire, and new plugs don't help, you may have a coil pack going out.

 

i already changed the timing and serp belt i paid him about $300 bucks for it, (ik kinda low but we helped and he will get more for the next job) Thanks!!! i just ordered spark plugs and i was wondering that, i got the ngk Rs that are about $20 for the set, my car isnt chipped and it is misfiring so plugs first, i just ordered the radio, plugs, and next will b the coolant flange and coolant temp sensor. my car has 153,000 miles, and i think im need cv joints and a new control arm in the front left side. ik it was gonna be a pricey car and that was the price i pay because i wanted one so bad, it had everything i wanted in a car, my last car was an acura integra. i wanted 4 doors, manual, and more power with NO RUST for under $4500. and i got exactly what i wanted, plus a turbo and AWD. i love it i cant complain too much. p.s. this forum has been SUPER helpful

 

FCP Groton for the control arms. Complete set for both side for under 300 bucks I think. Sounds like you're on your way...

 

ill prob just get the two uppers for the left side. but thanks! yea shes getting there, need the lower plastic side panel for the left front door, not sure where to get that. any help?

 

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