VW Polo, 1.2 diesel 2012 - coolant leak

[Averagevwenjoyer]

Good afternoon, hope your day is going better than mine lmao

As I left home my VW (specifics in the title) started leaking coolant rapidly, so I instantly took the car back to my garage where it currently is. I don’t won’t to risk it driving to the mechanic (also, I still don’t have a trusted mechanic nearby, as I recently moved to a remote location, and my last experience was.. well, a complete rip off) and if possible - I’d rather try to repair it myself, even though I never repaired a car (also, I’m pretty much broke and not sure I’d even be able to afford it until next year lmao)

Basically, what I know so far is:

- the car only looses coolant while driving, but then it basically flows
- by what I got so far, the leak is on the hose attached to the right side of the engine (see photo below, I removed the air intake tube in order to facilitate access)

My questions are: is it really a minor leak problem and could I repair it myself by changing the hose or would it be a major pain in the ass? If not changing, would it be viable to at least put some tape around to drive it to some mechanic? (Least preferable)

If possible, could someone write a step-by-step of what I should remove and how in order to get to that hose, and how I should change it?

Appreciate any comment or advice, thank you in advance and sorry for a noob question!

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

There are two main, large hoses, one from the bottom of the radiator to the engine, one from the top of the radiator to the engine, plus several smaller ones. You need to be specific about which one is leaking, because we cannot tell from your photo, and no sign of wet there.

If a hose has split, obviously it needs replacing, usually they have a jubilee type clip or a type which has to be sawn off, to remove the hose, but you may need to remove other parts, to gain access, and even cut the hose to free it. A smear of washing up liquid on the inside of the hose, will help it slide easily onto the metal stub. If you had to cut the clips of, you will need jubilee clip replacements for those.

If the water is blowing out, from the overflow, then that is likely due to over-heating. Overheating due to no flow, or the pump not circulating the water.

 

[Burnerman]

I reckon there's a good chance that the plastic block that the hose plugs into has fractured.......but, first things first, remove as much clutter as you can so you can actually get in there.
John

 

[Averagevwenjoyer]

There are two main, large hoses, one from the bottom of the radiator to the engine, one from the top of the radiator to the engine, plus several smaller ones. You need to be specific about which one is leaking, because we cannot tell from your photo, and no sign of wet there.

If a hose has split, obviously it needs replacing, usually they have a jubilee type clip or a type which has to be sawn off, to remove the hose, but you may need to remove other parts, to gain access, and even cut the hose to free it. A smear of washing up liquid on the inside of the hose, will help it slide easily onto the metal stub. If you had to cut the clips of, you will need jubilee clip replacements for those.

If the water is blowing out, from the overflow, then that is likely due to over-heating. Overheating due to no flow, or the pump not circulating the water.

Thank you for the reply!
The hose leaking is a small one, which is attached to the larger one that connects the top of the radiator to the engine. There’s definitely signs of leakage on the small one, it starts dripping water from the upper part which is attached to the larger hose.

Which parts should I remove to access it?

Sorry if it’s confusing, I’ll attach a few more photos.

 

[Averagevwenjoyer]

I reckon there's a good chance that the plastic block that the hose plugs into has fractured.......but, first things first, remove as much clutter as you can so you can actually get in there.
John

I suspect that’s the case, the small tube might’ve fractured and needs replacement.. any advice on how to remove the clutter? Thank you

 

[carmanmemoranda]

I suspect that’s the case, the small tube might’ve fractured and needs replacement.. any advice on how to remove the clutter? Thank you

Take each item 1 at a time out the way. Screws, bolts clips etc to undo them.

Look at each item individually and make notes of how they fit so you can replace them.

If you are a beginner I'd suggest a workshop manual or lots of you tube videos before starting

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

I suspect that’s the case, the small tube might’ve fractured and needs replacement.. any advice on how to remove the clutter? Thank you

I tend to agree with burnerman, it is more likely, the plastic component has developed a fracture. I cannot help with the how to access it, I don't have the car to be able to work that out, but usually it's fairly obvious.

 

[Mottie]

Take photos with your phone at each stage to be able to work back when reassembling.