[s-cars] Cooling System Pressure/Accessory Belt Tensioner

[Tom Green]

On Tuesday, June 10, 2003, "Jeff Sevel" writes:

To: apennell001 at yahoo.com, s-car-list at audifans.com
> Subject: Re: [s-cars] Cooling System Presure / Accessory Belt Tensioner
> Date: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 17:18:40 +0000
>
> Andrew:
>
> I am the least mechanically inclined of this group; however, I have
> had a
> few issues w/ my overflow hose connection. The small plastic nipple
> connection on the overflow tank cracked which caused some leaking of
> coolant. Only option was to replace the tank and have the whole coolant
> system flushed and refilled ($200). I did a quick JB Weld fix which
> lasted
> an entire year.. we just had a 90 degree wknd in Seattle, so I've
> noticed
> it's been gushing again. My mechanic had originally tried several
> different
> clamps on the hose but it still kept spewing out. For what it's worth,
> my
> advice is to investigate for any cracks on the tank (i.e. nipple) and
> make
> sure the clamp is secure, but not too tight.
>
> Jeff
> 95.5 S6
> Seattle
>
>
>> From: Andrew Pennell <apennell001 at yahoo.com>
>> To: s-car-list at audifans.com
>> Subject: [s-cars] Cooling System Presure / Accessory Belt Tensioner
>> Date: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 08:39:57 -0700 (PDT)
>>
>> --
>> [ Picked text/plain from multipart/alternative ]
>>
>> Anyone know what pressure the cooling system should run at? I am
>> leaking
>> some coolant from the overflow hose connection on the top of the
>> expansion
>> tank after getting the engine is up to temperature. I guess the
>> fitting is
>> loose enough to let pressure and coolant escape, but I was concerned
>> that
>> perhaps my pressure is too high. I am running normal temps. What is a
>> good
>> way to check the overall health of the cooling system?
>>
>> On another note...the tensioner wheel for the engine accessory belt is
>> making a faint chirp at idle. Should I just replace the whole t-belt /
>> water pump, etc etc if I am considering replacing the accessory belt
>> tensioner? The current t-belt has 40K miles on it.
>>
>> Thanks -AP
>> 95 S6 Avant

AP and Jeff

Doesn't the tank discolor after long use?  And is impossible to clean?
A new tank is not expensive at the many suppliers available, and the
answer if the nipple is cracked.  Shows off that blue stuff coursing
through the veins of the 20V.  ( Or pink if you are so inclined)  Then
VAG-COM or PRO-DIAG will tell you more than you want to know about
engine operating parameters.

The tensioner for the serpentine belt has been a problem for a few
cars- corrosion IME.  If its very noisy and moves when the engine is
operating smoothly at steady rpm, then consider replacement.  Check the
bearing for wear if you can get enough belt slack, and clean and lube
the back side, and check belt for wear.  The tensioner and the belt can
do an amazing amount of damage if either fails.  BTST.

But, WHOA on that water pump thought.  That's a whole different system.
  Operates on the timing belt.

Tom '95 S6