[Vwdiesel] Coolant Leak at Cylinder Head Flange-Day 2

[David O'Shea]

Many thanks to folks who responded to my questions regarding my leaky coolant flange. I stopped by the hardware store on the way home this evening and picked up some pipe thread compound. I again figured on a quick fix. No such luck. A couple of folks suggested that the flange itself might well be the culprit. They were right. When I removed the flange for the second time in 2 days, I noticed the crack. I appled a little pressure to the flange and the tab on the leaky side snapped off. Great. It looks like metal fatigue to my untrained eye and probably got larger from my removal and reinstallation. The Coolant temperature sender terminal is bent, as if the whole piece with sender installed had been dropped at some time although I don't think that would necessarily be related to this crack.

Anyone have access a parts catalog and know what the part numbers for this flange and it's associated gasket are? The only number I see on the flange appears to be "868L", not a typical part number. I've found that having the part number in hand really speeds things up at my local VW Dealer's parts counter. When I called them up to inquire about the gasket I'd need back on Day 1, they told me it was "NLA" or no longer available so I don't hold much hope for getting the flange through them, but it's worth a try.

Anyone out there have any suggestions for an online source for this part new or used if I strike out at the dealer?

Thanks in advance,

-Dave O.