Loss of coolant / EGR valve

[sbmcd]

On Saturday 27 Jan we returned from a couple of days skiing at Glencoe, journey back to Edinburgh was event free, stopped for a break at Stirling and van was ok until we were almost home, as we turned off at Cockpen Church the van displayed a check coolant level warning, since we were only 3 miles from home and the coolant temperature gauge was reading normal we continued our journey home a parked the van up on our drive normally, van was running perfectly and sounded fine, my wife was driving so I was outside the van when she reversed it into our drive.

When I tried to start the van about an hour later it was struggling only turn over, very slowly if at all.

Called the recovery service on my van insurance policy, they arrived next morning:

· They checked the engine management system for faults but found none.

· Added 1.2 litres of water to the coolant header tank, to bring it back up to normal level and carried out a pressure test, system showed a slow leak, no obvious sign of coolant leaking could be seen.

· Oil level normal on dipstick with no significant sign of condensation at filler.

· They checked the battery which was fine.

· Attempted a start but found the same problem as I had, engine would only turn over slowly if at all, battery leads warmed indicating high current draw.

· They then arranged pick up next day for delivery to Clarks Commercials the Edinburgh VW dealer I bought the van from and who carries out all the services on my vehicle.

Since I got the van in March 2014 I have never had to top up the coolant, I checked the coolant and oil about 3 weeks ago both were fine. I suspected with such a sudden loss of coolant something significant has occurred, engine not turning over freely suggested some coolant ingress to cylinder.

Clark Commercials called me today to advise that it was the EGR valve that had failed and that had caused the coolant to enter the cylinder via an exhaust valve, they also advised that the cost for the repair would be an eye watering £1,600,

Actual cost was £1,504 for the EGR replacement picked it up today.

Also had the timing belt and water so total bill today was £2017.00

It seems to me that failure of a key component in less than 4 years just should not happen, my vehicle has done only 53,736 miles.

Have asked if VW, as a gesture of goodwill, would contribute to the cost of this repair, not hopeful.

 

[Jabberwocky]

On Saturday 27 Jan we returned from a couple of days skiing at Glencoe, journey back to Edinburgh was event free, stopped for a break at Stirling and van was ok until we were almost home, as we turned off at Cockpen Church the van displayed a check coolant level warning, since we were only 3 miles from home and the coolant temperature gauge was reading normal we continued our journey home a parked the van up on our drive normally, van was running perfectly and sounded fine, my wife was driving so I was outside the van when she reversed it into our drive.

When I tried to start the van about an hour later it was struggling only turn over, very slowly if at all.

Called the recovery service on my van insurance policy, they arrived next morning:

· They checked the engine management system for faults but found none.

· Added 1.2 litres of water to the coolant header tank, to bring it back up to normal level and carried out a pressure test, system showed a slow leak, no obvious sign of coolant leaking could be seen.

· Oil level normal on dipstick with no significant sign of condensation at filler.

· They checked the battery which was fine.

· Attempted a start but found the same problem as I had, engine would only turn over slowly if at all, battery leads warmed indicating high current draw.

· They then arranged pick up next day for delivery to Clarks Commercials the Edinburgh VW dealer I bought the van from and who carries out all the services on my vehicle.

Since I got the van in March 2014 I have never had to top up the coolant, I checked the coolant and oil about 3 weeks ago both were fine. I suspected with such a sudden loss of coolant something significant has occurred, engine not turning over freely suggested some coolant ingress to cylinder.

Clark Commercials called me today to advise that it was the EGR valve that had failed and that had caused the coolant to enter the cylinder via an exhaust valve, they also advised that the cost for the repair would be an eye watering £1,600,

Actual cost was £1,504 for the EGR replacement picked it up today.

Also had the timing belt and water so total bill today was £2017.00

It seems to me that failure of a key component in less than 4 years just should not happen, my vehicle has done only 53,736 miles.

Have asked if VW, as a gesture of goodwill, would contribute to the cost of this repair, not hopeful.

Not a great story. Agree that for such a significant component to fail after modest use over four years is at the very least disappointing if not alarming! All the best with your claim.

 

[sbmcd]

Not a great story. Agree that for such a significant component to fail after modest use over four years is at the very least disappointing if not alarming! All the best with your claim.

Thanks, van will be 4 years old in March 18. Hopefully posting will help others recognise the symptoms in future, bit worrying when your engine will not turn over.

 

[Jabberwocky]

Thanks, van will be 4 years old in March 18. Hopefully posting will help others recognise the symptoms in future, bit worrying when your engine will not turn over.

Last time I had an engine not turn over using the starter was as a result of a failed head gasket and resultant ingress of cooling water. It was a Hillman Imp but far older than just a youthful four years.

 

[sbmcd]

Last time I had an engine not turn over using the starter was as a result of a failed head gasket and resultant ingress of cooling water. It was a Hillman Imp but far older than just a youthful four years.

Head gasket was my first thought, pleased it was not that.

 

[Jabberwocky]

Head gasket was my first thought, pleased it was not that.

Indeed!!

 

[Fudge]

Pleased you got it sorted.
Sounds but expensive for cam belt and water pump. Maybe they can do you a deal on that side of things.

 

[Ryemslie]

Had same on my BMW X3 egr cooler went at just shy of 40,000miles, replaced by BMW as goodwill due to reasonably low mileage/age at the time. I was told they were a fairly common failure. My car actually goes in on Tuesday again for another suspected failure, loosing coolant & could smell the sweet smell of coolant from my exhaust. Car has just turned 70,000miles so if it has failed again then it has only don 30,000miles over two & a bit years.

 

[sbmcd]

Pleased you got it sorted.
Sounds but expensive for cam belt and water pump. Maybe they can do you a deal on that side of things.

It is but that is VW's fixed price for that, only plus side is the two years warranty you get with it.

 

[AlanC]

What age is your 180?

Alan

 

[Jabberwocky]

What age is your 180?

Alan

Post #3 "van will be 4 years old in March 18"

 

[AlanC]

Doh! Yes, so not one of the dreaded EGR corrosion models. Odd the EGR developed a leak though.

The common view is that the suffix A - C model EGRs are still suspect. A 2014 model 180 van would have an earlier than D suffix EGR (which was introduced in 2016) so this may be the reason it leaked. VW should contribute something of the replacement cost of the EGR as 'good will', but not for the cam belt and water pump costs.

Alan

 

[sbmcd]

No luck with my request for some goodwill to help the EGR replacement cost from VW. I am told the goodwill operates up to 3 1/2 years on a diminishing scale starting at 75 percent down to 25 percent. My van is too old apparently.

 

[Jabberwocky]

No luck with my request for some goodwill to help the EGR replacement cost from VW. I am told the goodwill operates up to 3 1/2 years on a diminishing scale starting at 75 percent down to 25 percent. My van is too old apparently.

 

[pjm-84]

Sorry to say that's VAG for you. Short sighted numpties.

Our X5 had a transfer box issue at 4.5years old and BMW picked up 95% of the bill.

 

[Meoncoast]

Real pain . Think I would try small clims court and unfit for purpose with VW