1996 vw vr6 engine coolant leak in front of engine

More than likely heater core leak, I assume you are losing coolant. I've changed a couple heater core in my life but nothing like changing the one in the video. I saw 3 videos, and all said you have to pull the dash.

How VW Parts Fail ~ Heater Cores - YouTube

VW Heater Core Replacement - 1993-1998 VW Jetta and Golf - YouTube

electric, or secondary, water pump.

Oil filter? Is it on tight?

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

the VW beetle has a plastic radiator, where the cap is if you look to the front of that it does a 90, it is cracked there. Here is the fun part, with a throx wrench ( I think it was a T-30) take apart the fenders and front bumper. At the auto parts store there is a plastic tank repair kit, the kit includes resign,fiber glass cloth, and a stick. You will need to rough up the crack as it is right where it angles and lay on the cloth and resign. Let it dry and it will not leak from there again. Good Luck Tim

I will suggest getting a Chilton manual. It is a book. You can find the manual on-line at www.autozone.com
I would still recommend getting your own copy, so you can write on it and get it greasy.
I have a 2001 VW passat V6 and do all my own work. Please, post your problems as clear as you can, I will do my best to help.
How does the car run otherwise?
The coolant, is it coming from the same place?
The oil leak, is it near a pulley?

hose junction box pressure test cooling system and buy the offending part

Get another boyfriend! "Just kidding"! ok, this is what I mean about "leaving it to the experts". #1 Make sure there is enough coolant, Check for leaks. Install a coolant pressure tester and check for leaks. Fix whats leaking. #2 Make sure coolant fans are coming on, and specifically at 220 degrees. If not, check fuses. Jump the coolant fan to make sure it comes on. if it does, then you may have a bad relay, make sure relay is commanded on. At this point , you may need a wire schematic for the coolant fans and related parts.

Hi,welcome to fix ya.
chek the top tank on the radidator for cracks also check the radidator cap sometims they break off inside the radidator.look inside for pieces.

You've lost engine coolant somewhere, and need to fill the engine back up with the VW special G12 coolant.

Then find the leak, which will be in one or more of the following places -
Water hoses to heater core, including any other coolant carrying hoses in the engine compartment
Radiator hoses
Plastic manifold bolted to side of engine which is known to leak (have replaced on an '01 VW Beetle, and an '02 Jetta, both members of our family in the past few years.).
Overflow reservoir cracked
Radiator leak.

Reply back what you find. If the engine got too hot, you may need to have the thermostat replaced.