Leaking Coolant, Help!!!

[GraceIsotope]

My beloved 2001 Isotope Green New Beetle is leaking coolant!!
Coolant level drops from the upper level mark on the reservoir to the lower level mark within a week.
Took it to the VW dealer here in Silicon Valley, and they said that the auxillary / secondary water pump is bad. Repiar cost is $440 parts and labor.
Is there such a thing as an auxillary water pump in the New Beetle? I have only heard of THE water pump and timing belt.
Also is the repair cost reasonable?
Please help!!

Thanks!

[ghostRder1]

Welcome to the org! Sorry about your trouble . Have you had a VW dealer check out the problem since posting?

[D2Beetle]

Originally Posted by GraceIsotope

Took it to the VW dealer here in Silicon Valley, and they said that the auxillary / secondary water pump is bad. Repiar cost is $440 parts and labor.

Ok, that's a new one... did you ask your VW dealer where this secondary water pump is located?

[jim]

Could that be the electric pump that runs after the engine is shut off to cool the turbo?

[bman]

Originally Posted by GraceIsotope

My beloved 2001 Isotope Green New Beetle is leaking coolant!!

Took it to the VW dealer here in Silicon Valley, and they said that the auxillary / secondary water pump is bad. Repiar cost is $440 parts and labor.

I have not heard it called that, but I imagine what the Bentley repair manual calls the "continued coolant circulation pump" is the same thing.

Before I did my timing belt on my y2k GLX I pieced together a PDF containing all the tidbits I thought I'd need to know about. It contains some info on that pump, where it resides in the system, how to check its function, etc. You can find it at this link: http://www.niagara.com/~bman/2000glxcooling.pdf

I'm not sure on pricing for it, but http://parts.autopartsonlinecanada.c...ary+Water+Pump
lists it for $125 Canadian. I don't remember where it is in the engine bay but it seems to me $400+ is a bit excessive for replacing that part only. Maybe they are intent on replacing some hoses and clamps, too, but still I'd look for a better deal.

[GraceIsotope]

Thanks for the responses so far.
Yes, the dealer said it's the "electrical secondary water pump that is dripping coolant". It's near the bottom of the radiator slightly to the passenger side. I asked if it might be just a bad hose or connection. The advisor said no and recommended "to replace the pump and they will re-check the system".

I want to get a second opinion. Anyone can recommend a honest reliable VW mechanic in the Silicon Valley/San Jose area?

Thanks again!