1997 jetta td, coolant is leaking, but car is not overheating

Sounds like the thermostat needs replacing... should cure the issue...

Leajking hjead gasket most likely.

I'm guessing that the mechanic fixed a coolant leak around the gasket on the upper air plenum. The gasket leak was probably caused by Dexcool antifreeze deteriorating the gasket material. If that is the case, then the lower intake gasket is probably leaking too. If the mechanic refilled the cooling sysytem with DExcool antifreeze, then it probably destroyed the sealant he used to make the initial repair. I would have the car towed back to the mechanic to avoid any further damage from overheating. Have the mechanic remove the lower intake and check the gasket for leaks. DO NOT refill the cooling system with Dexcool. Use a compatible antifreeze that will work with aluminum engine parts.

Ouch, don't let it overheat it'll cost you a new head gasket. You probably just don't have enough coolant. They probably filled it up and didn't run it to drain the reseroir and refill it. Check the coolant level, make sure it is full. Failing that, the thermostat might be stuck, the rad might be clogged if it's old, the new heater core might be the wrong one a too restrictive. I can't rememebr if my old VR6 had a ad cap but if it does take the coolant cover off the rad, start the car with it off... don't worry it's won't spit of anything, look down to see if the fluid is moving, if it is then you have circulation. Dont' run it like this for too too long as it will begine to Overflow. My bet is the coolant level bro. Cheers.

hard to get to and difficult job...are you sure you dont have cracked head? is there water in the oil....does the oil look milky? look in the radiator is there oil residue in the coolant........

if you added back the fluid you lost it e=will run out becuse thermostat aint o pen yet try again let motor warm up then cgk fluid

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.

U'll need to bleed the system.

if there is no heat coming from the vents i would bleed the coolant system for air, usually trapped air in the system will cause this lack of heat.

there is a coolant flange on the side of the head that cracks and leaks on those. but to go through that much coolant in a day you should see puddles building up. make sure you are not mixing coolants on that i can cause a huge overheating issue. if you dont have vw coolant just use water until the leak is fixed