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Posted on May 09, 2017
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I have a 97 vw gti vr6 and I have had a unknown leak in the engine which has leaked out all the coolant from the resevoir tank so I've had it parked for a few days, not sure if its the water pump or what exactly, so the car still starts up and just idles high and dosent run to good and the coolant light blinks and its saying temp is cold. So I wld like to know how far I can drive it cold before it overheats or turns off on me cause ineed to move it a few miles away(not freeway) but don't want to blow headgasket. Please help

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  • Posted on May 09, 2017
 Vernon Taylor
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If coolant can't be retained in the engine for a significant amount of time it would be very unwise to drive it anywhere. Hotspots can be created in a matter of a few minutes and that is likely to cause metal distortion.
If the water pump is the source of the leak then the bearing could be at the point of breaking up and causing some very expensive damage.

I strongly suggest you move the car by trailer or towing or locate the leak, assess the seriousness or otherwise and if possible carry out repairs before the car is removed. Considering the cost of engine repairs or overhaul it is simply not worth taking the risk of causing further damage.

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Hi .... i think you may already have a head gasket problem by the sounds of it. A few miles to drive will be fine but it will overheat quicker - just fill reservoir tank full to the top and radiator (make sure its cooled down) Water at this point will boil so turn your heaters all the way on - and fan- to utilize extra cooling on engine then drive carefully to your destination but dont rev the engine hard at all

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  • Volkswagen Master 2,426 Answers
  • Posted on May 09, 2017
old marine
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Driving a car without coolant doesn't often blow a head gasket (but a blown head gasket can be the reason for losing coolant). But driving a car without coolant can quickly ruin an engine.
Your best option (if there is no possibility of freezing temperatures where you are) is to top up the cooling system with plain water and drive it to where you need to go. Keep an eye on the temperature gauge/light, and stop and add more water if necessary.
After repairs are made, refill the cooling system with proper coolant.

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most coolant stop leaks will not work with anti-freeze at all,only clear water only. please read the label on the product and follow it to the letter.most stop leaks will not work under extreme conditions,such as a bad water pump or missing water pump belt,or bad thermostat. with common leaks along the radiator SEAMS they may help some. please seek a mechanic soon,you can damage your engine without proper coolant in it. which can lead to an engine replacement. where the steam is coming from is where your coolant leak is. it may only be a bad or faulty hose. a simple pressure tester rented from auto-zone or avanced automotive will reveal your leak.please follow the instructions with the rental equipment,and you will find the leak in the coolant system quickly. thank you for choosing fixya.com

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