So recently i have had some issues, at random points my cooling fluid just dissapeares.
I can drive for days without any trouble but sometimes overnight it is all gone, i checked for leaks but cannot find anything, it is -12 atm so could it be that my pump freezes up somehow and when i start again the fluid gets evaporated by the engines heat? I have a 1990 transporter 3, 1700D engine
Thanks in advance.

 

Welcome to the forum.

If the engine is loosing coolant then its going somewhere. Visually check for leaks in the engine compartment and don't forget the heater matrix you could have wet carpets soaking it up.

Your lucky with that engine if the water pump was frozen up then the serpentine belt would screech until it freed off. If the water pump was driven by the timing belt that would break and thats an even bigger job.

You either buy a cooling system tester which presurises the cooling system to find any leaks. It should also check the radiator pressure cap to see if it serviceable. Or you take it to a garage and have it checked. The other reason for loosing coolant is a faulty cylinder head gasket so a garage should be able to check for that.

https://volkswagenforum.com/forum/ne...gnature-34185/

 

well, i already checked for leaks, got underneath the car, checked the radiator etc, nothing to see...
about the pump, i didnt think of that, thanks
if the gasket is the problen, shouldnt i be able to see it if i check the oil? that would be polluted too, no?

also, forgot to mention, i am european -12 is in celcius, i believe that is about 10.4 fahrenheit

update: filled er up again, she does give white smoke, but only when i start her, don't seem to be anything wrong with the oil either, still no leaks to be found... i think i'll give up and just take her into the garage, he'll find out i guess...

 

Head gaskets can go faulty in different parts. If the leak is by an oil way or oil drain from the head then water will be mixed in the oil and it will be milky plus the level will increase.

A bit of white smoke on startup could mean the glow plugs aren't functioning correctly.

You can out your location in your User CP.

https://volkswagenforum.com/forum/ne...gnature-34185/

 

hmmmm, guess i'll take her in monday, i hope it wont be too much of a cost thanks for your help keith