Leaking coolant - drive it?

[Audiophil]

Hi all, driving along today I got a red flashing temp light on my 1.8T. No CELs, EPC, etc... just temp. Of course pulled off at the next exit and checked coolant level. It was at the bottom of the resevior! Filled it up an inch or two with water/coolant mix (I know... G12 only, but better than overheating the engine).

Light went out, but when at home I noticed coolant leaking down the side of the block (small drips like water drops when you run some cars AC). It only seems to be leaking with the engine running, so 90% certain it is the water pump.

I have the metalman timing belt/water pump kit coming this week, do you all think it is safe to drive for ~100 miles till I get the parts and get an appointment at the stealership? As long as there is coolant running through the system is it that bad? Anyone else see a slow leak like this before? Thanks!

[bobbittle]

I had a leak in my coolant flange....drove with it for almost a year.

[Midwest_beetlebug]

I replaced my timing belt - water pump about 4000 miles ago. Now recently I noticed some small leakage, enough to drain the res. to the piont the light came on. It appears to be coming from the opposite side of the engine from the pump? Not sure what is causing it? I,m curious to find out what your leak is from?

[bobbittle]

Originally Posted by Midwest_beetlebug

I replaced my timing belt - water pump about 4000 miles ago. Now recently I noticed some small leakage, enough to drain the res. to the piont the light came on. It appears to be coming from the opposite side of the engine from the pump? Not sure what is causing it? I,m curious to find out what your leak is from?

Check your coolant flange. Follow your upper coolant hose back towards the engine, the plastic piece that attachs to the block may be leaking. It's a cheap and fairly easy fix.

[Audiophil]

Originally Posted by Porkchop

Audiophil: which side is it leaking from? As bobittle described, from the driver's side, its probably the flange.

If its from the passenger side, it's most likely the waterpump.

Yep, that is what I thought, passenger side leak... more than likely the water pump. It is dripping right behind the v-belt, right where the water pump would be.

As long as there is coolant in it (better get some G12 for the trunk!), it is safe to drive for a day or two?

[LadybugEwa]

If you're very vigilant about checking and topping up your level you may be O.K. I'd carry a jug of pre-mixed 50/50 coolant/water on board. If it's the water pump though, maybe there's some possibility of the impeller/moving parts shattering and doing damage? Help me out here, mechanic gurus

[Audiophil]

Originally Posted by LadybugEwa

If you're very vigilant about checking and topping up your level you may be O.K. I'd carry a jug of pre-mixed 50/50 coolant/water on board. If it's the water pump though, maybe there's some possibility of the impeller/moving parts shattering and doing damage? Help me out here, mechanic gurus

Thanks, yup, that is what I was thinking. Hopefully it holds together for the ride to the stealership tommorow. Replacing the stock POS pump with a Metal Man pump like everyone else on here recommends.

[Audiophil]

Made it to the dealer... my 1.8T had a metal impellor pump already!... was leaking, changed it to a Metal Man one. No problems. Thanks to Metal Man parts and Radley VW in VA for getting it fixed so quickly.