Hey fellas,

It's a 2.8 Quattro. The other day I drove it 4-5 miles and sat down to eat. When I walked out I noticed a puddle next to my car. Drove it across the street and got out to check fluids and coolant was empty. I let it cool off and refilled coolant a couple hours later (that was 4 days ago). Since then I've driven it on a dozen trips of 5 miles or less and it's still got most of the coolant I put in it days ago. Although it is smoking a little from both sides of the engine when I get to my destination. My car has not overheated. Took it to Aamco and they said it's a coolant temperature sensor that's the culprit. They also want 4.5 hours labor @ $100/hr. so I'd like to fix it myself if I can, or at least know what to expect when I go to another mechanic. I know on some models the sensor is a quick fix. When it leaked Originally most of the puddle was near the front passenger tire. I tried to look underneath to spot the source but I could only see it pooled on what looked like the bottom of a pan, right above the puddle.

I had my water pump changed about 30,000 miles (18 months) ago. Do you think Aamco is right? And if not, what do you think the problem is?

Is it a simple fix? What is a good site to find a service manual for my car?

 

How To Find & Fix Coolant Leaks