First post here, hoping I do this in the right place.

I have a 2004 A4 1.8T 6-speed manual, just about 84000 miles on it now. Late last year I started having a low antifreeze light when I start my engine, particularly when it is very cold, that would go away after a minute or so of warming the engine. I added more fluid, and after about 6 weeks the light would show up again, the reservoir was just about empty again.

As I didn't really want to bring the car into the shop, and I could go for quite a while without the problem, I've just topped it off when the light comes on. However, I did take a look yesterday, and I think I found some cracks in the reservoir:



It looks as though the fluid level is right about the height of that crack on the left (if you can make it out in the photo).

So I have a few questions:

* Does it seem likely that these cracks are the source of my leak?
* Can I patch cracks on the reservoir, or should I replace it?
* Is the repair something easy to do or should I go to a shop?

I also have no idea how I got the cracks in the first place; has anyone else ever seen this?

Thanks for any help.

 

A few years ago the reservoir on my 2002 A4 3.0 developed a crack and was leaking a bit. I didn't try to patch it, I just bought a new one.

 

its $23 for the genuine audi one http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B6_A4-...n_Tank/ES5935/

 

I've got a 2004 A4 1.8T non quattro, is it the same resivour because the dealership is trying to get me to pay almost $3000 for my coolant leak when the only place its leaking is through a crack

 

Yeah if you know for sure its only leaking from the coolant tank then just go to ecstuning.com and put in you model and year and it will find the right one for you car.

 

I bought the reservoir on www.germanautoparts.com. If it turns out that the leak is only in the tank, should I flush the whole system, or would I be fine just replacing the tank and refilling?

 

i doubt you were quoted 3k for a coolant bottled. Sounds like you didn't understand what was being explained to you

 

I got the same stress cracks in my resivor I jus bout a new one online genuine audi part cost $30 bucks. I think it's like 3 screws and a hose or two... No big deal save ur money do it yourself and learn something!

 

an FYI for this thread. Only add the VW/Audi G12 Coolant!

 

Ya bud its not the stress cracks the reason why you are loosing coolant...There is coolent in your cylinders...the 3k is for rebuilding the engine...Just had mine done too (for the second time) and it was the same price.