20 valve turbo coolant loss

[Bruce Bell]

Perform a "block test" before you invest in a new head. This is a tool
and chemical that sniffs for hydrocarbons in the coolant. I had a
similar problem with my '89 200tq. I replaced every suspect hose, the
expansion tank, and cap. I then pulled and tested the radiator to no
avail. It turned out to be a cracked cap on a flush kit installed by a
previous owner. Good luck, the simplest things can be a nightmare to
find.

Bruce

-----Original Message-----
From: McCohens at aol.com [mailto:McCohens at aol.com] 
Sent: Wednesday, October 06, 2004 7:36 AM
To: quattro at audifans.com
Subject: 20 valve turbo coolant loss

I am seeing an empty burp tank every morning on my wife's 91 200Q.  No
leaks, no white smoke out the exhaust.  A pressure test showed a small
drop over time but nothing that terrible.

My mechanic is hesitant to take the car in as he has seen cracked heads
on these in the past and has had problems finding good ones as a
replacement. 

Any other experience in this area?  Never saw this sort of issue on the
list before.  If my mechanic is correct what is the going rate for a
good head.