Smell Coolant

[KenMoore]

I smelled coolant yesterday stronger than normal and verified the reservoir was below the min mark. Using a flashlight I found a small puddle of coolant directly below the window washer fluid reservoir on the protective shield ( which is why I never saw any on the driveway.) I suspect the thermostat housing / waterpump and will let everyone know for sure when it's fixed. I currently have 19500 mile on the car and everything is still under warranty.


PS: I didn't have access to some G13 coolant so I used Peak Original Equipment Technology for European vehicles Audi 2006 and later 50/50. It is violet but does not say G13 anywhere.

Update: Preasure test revealed a cracked thermostat housing. The factory water pump was metal but the thermostat housing is plastic. I was unable to find an aftermarket version made from cast aluminum, so I expect to revisit this issue not long after my warranty expires. Argh!!!

 

[KenMoore]

Update with 2 images. So less than a 1000 miles since getting the thermostat housing replaced I noticed my coolant level was ever so slowly going down. (I would check with the engine cold to get an accurate measurement). Thinking maybe some air was being bled off I was patient until I could see coolant collecting on the undershielding. This is a slow leak and if my car wasn’t under warranty I would just monitor and add, but because we have outdoor cats (G13 does have some glycol) I opted to get it fixed now. Here are 2 images of the leaking water pump.