95 Jetta overheated today

[dubjetta95]

My 95 Jetta overheated today. It has a slow leak in the cooling system and I can't determine where its coming from. Also, my fan isn't working because the shaft is wobbly. Well, I left the car running for about 20-25 min, and when I went out to leave work, there was steam pouring out from my hood and the temp gauge was all the way up. I shut the car off and filled it with coolant. What are the chances I messed up the engine. What could I have possibly messed up engine wise and how can I tell? Has anyone else had a similar problem with a non visible cooling system leak. How can I tell where its leaking from because i don't see a puddle. Thanks

[nicoleos]

Why would you leave a car alone for 25min if you knew you had an overheating prob? After it smoked, was there any coolant in there? And does the car still run? you can try a simple coolant leak treatment. Just pour it in and watch it work...possibly.

[dubjetta95]

I forgot that I left it running because I got sidetracked. There wasn't a lot of coolant left because most of it sprayed out when i loosened the cap. The car still runs, I'm just trying to figure out where it's leaking from.

[boschmann]

The plastic flanges where the hoses hook onto the cylinder head are prone to develop small, hart to find leaks. Have someone pressuize the system to expose the leak better.

[dubjetta95]

Are the plastic flanges expensive. Is it expensive to get a pressure/leak check and is it someting I can do myself? What do you need to do it?

[boschmann]

You would need a cooling system pressure tester, not a common tool for the DIY person, but not really expensive so a shop shouldn't charge much to do it. The flanges are fairly cheap & also available on the aftermarket.

[mike1989]

if you cant find where it is leaking most likely that is because the motor is burning the coolent beacuse you have a broken head gasket. do you smell like a sweet smell when the car is running?

[ctuagent117]

i would check for a broken gasket for the coolant leak. expect to pay 110-160 for this job.