[V8] A6. Black Pepper to stop a leaking water pump?

[Brad Hartman]

2000 Audi A6 Quattro -- 2.7 twin turbo, AUTOMATIC.  About 115K miles.

I have been slowly losing coolant for several months.  Decided to have my 
Audi mechanic have a look, but he's not available during the weekend and I 
really wanted someone to do a pressure test, so I spent $30 today at Midas. 
They traced it to the water pump and thermostat housing -- both leaking.

Quoted something like $2K to replace.  Indicated that you have to drop the 
entire front end of the car, have the Rolling  Stones flown in to play while 
the mechanic works, etc.

I asked to speak with they guy who diagnosed the leak and he suggested that 
I add three teaspoons of black pepper to my coolant -- said it could work 
wonders.  General comments on adding pepper please?

Also, any comments on what I should expect to spend on this would be 
appreciated.

Thanks,

Brad, former V8 owner and long-time list member.