Coolant Leak - Part Identification

[Guest MK1TC]

Hi - need some help - low coolant light came on whilst driving.

When I got home I noticed a small puddle underneath.

With the torch I can see I have a small leak at the back of the engine behind the alternator.

There is a part where two coolant hoses come in. This part you can see an allen key tighting screw on the end and this is where its leaking from.

Dont think its the water pump and looking in the Haynes manual I can see the part but its not labled.

 

Any ideas. will try to get a pic if that helps when its daylight.

[welshpug 1,657]

alternator at the back??

 

sounds l;ike a TU engine, and its leaking from the water distribution housing, held on by two allen key bolts and has an o-ring seal.

[Masekwm 2]

I think it's a poor description but it's the water distribution block that is leaking.

[jackherer 543]

sounds l;ike a TU engine

 

MK1TC's new user post says he has a 1.6 GTI so I'm going to leave this thread in XU.

[Guest MK1TC]

water distribution block - out of 10 how easy a job is it to replace the part.

 

DIY job so only have axle stands and not full height ramps.

 

Any ideas on what this part would cost? Just looking around on the net and not much info coming back.

[jackherer 543]

Its not difficult but access is a bit tight.

 

First though you need to see where its actually leaking from, the distribution block is an outlet at the rear of the engine, it has an O ring seal where it bolts to the engine which could be leaking but it also has three or four hoses which could have split.

[Guest MK1TC]

Its leaking from the end section.. the allen key tightening part - not sure why its started to leak from here but its fully tightened and still weeping. If I remove the allen key section, is it just an O ring seal or something behind it? Could I refurb the part rather than replace? Never worked on a water distribution block before so not sure of its make up until I take it off. Car is my daily driver so don't want to start to fix it until I know I have all the parts to get the job done in one go !

[dcc 855]

When I have removed this and replaced it in the past, I use a nice big smear of RTV on a clean and dry surface! not ever reused the oring. 2/10 for diffuculty (its in an awkward position!).

[dcc 855]

I cannot remember if this is the plastic of metal one on the 8v, but be careful when tightening up the bolts, you DONT want them too tight, as you wont get a good seal and it will force itself to leak. just a rag and some sealant, whip it off (prepare to get the entire coolant system to soak you) and clean/dry/reseal. there is nothing there to watch out for in terms of difficulty other than losing the bolts to hold it in or even over tightening them and braking the distribution block itself!

[welshpug 1,657]

it could be either plastic or metal depending on its age