HELP ! VR6 is driving me mad !

[VR28LT]

I purchased my mk3 VR6 about 18months ago for a good price... White, 5 speed with 140kms on the clock & stock as a rock. Anyways when i bought her i knew the heater core was rooted as my windows would steam up, so i wasnt 2 concerned that my expansion tank was spitting out coolant. Anyways after a few months i got the heater core replaced and then i noticed the thermo housing had cracked all the while the expansion tank was still spitting out coolant. So i got that fixed thinking that was the reason i was losing coolant at a rate of 500ml a week... Anyways when i got the car back it was back 2 its old tricks and for about 12 months i drove it just topping up as need be but G12 aint cheap so i took it in 2 get looked at, i was told it was my bottle and cap so i had that done with a flush of the old coolant and some fresh G12 . Now as they over filled the tank i was expecting it 2 spit the excess out and level out somewhere in the middle of min & max but 2 my horror when i opened her up this morning the level has dropped down 2 min and there are signs of dried up coolant on the outside of the expansion tank... The system was pressure checked and i visually cant see any leaks ??? She never ever runs hot, there are no obvious signs of oil in my coolant and there is no mayo in the oil cap ! She starts first time every time and has never missed a beat ! 3 mechanics have looked at it and cant tell me what the problem is ! Does anyone have any idea or have exprienced the same problems ? Im going 2 turn grey overnight as love this car 2 death and just want it 2 run good with no issues ! cheers guys & sorry 2 bore you with the long story.... B

[vwthunder]

Hmmm when I had my VR6 I changed everything to do with the cooling system, radiator too, it is a pain in the bum
I remember there was a little screw, think it was somewhere on the head, near the thermo housing, sorry cant remember, but was rusted out and loosing coolant through there

I think a few other people had the rusted screw issue too

Have you changed the crack pipe?

Best bet is to change everything, all pipes hoses etc, I know it costs heaps but woth doing it as it will save you lots of headaches in the end

[jayjay]

Do the 3 mechanics that have seen it know anything about volkswagens..? Who would have ever thought, for instance, that some german engineer 18 years ago would design a thermostat housing such that when it got hot, it cracked..? (I dont mean to sound rude btw )

There are so many coolant lines to the vr6 and they're all at least 12 years old now. Defs check every hose for squishy bits and wetness. Or take your car to a dub specialist.