[amitmanjul]

So, after a lovely 4.5 years of absolutely trouble-free ownership, I have come across my 1st issue with the EA888 Gen3 engine, in the shape of coolant leak.

A quick background:
I drove to Hassan on work a few days back, taking the lovely Hassan highway out of Bengaluru. (Apart from a few under-construction sections close to Hassan, the road is a dream - a superb mix of straights & twisties & nicely laid out asphalt). Before embarking on my return journey, I popped open the hood & was surprised to see the low levels of coolant (pic attached).

I spoke to a knowledgeable person, topped up the reservoir with distilled water & returned to Bangalore. When I checked after a couple of more days, the coolant level had again dropped a bit.

I got the issue checked by Mithun from Forza Automotives (a reliable & knowledgeable SKODA FNG, if you want to look up one in South Bangalore) & the issue has provisionally been diagnosed as a possible water pump/thermostat failure.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=xzsgP5wXqQ0?feature=share

And to top it all, such was my seamless ownership till now, that I did not bother investing in extended warranties So many questions swirling around in my head now:
[list][*]Does it really require a replacement or is there a fix around it?[*]Can I somehow cajole SKODA to offer a good-will replacement?[*] What is the likelihood of it recurring again?[*] Any possible preventive measures?

Will be grateful to tap into the reservoir of knowledge available with the group.

[agambhandari]

You should Replace it urgently with the updated design. Water pump-thermostat is a common point of failure in these , if replaced with the updated one you should be good to go for a long time.

[itwasntme]

Originally Posted by agambhandari

You should Replace it urgently with the updated design. Water pump-thermostat is a common point of failure in these , if replaced with the updated one you should be good to go for a long time.

Spot-on. Have it inspected & replaced urgently. Inspect the timing belt too. https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/test-...ml#post4346420 (Review: Skoda Octavia (3rd-gen))

Skoda may offer some goodwill warranty. Ask for it formally & politely but firmly.

[MT_Hyderabad]

I don't know about Skoda, but in my car water pump was replaced at around 60 k kms. It was also leaking coolant little bit, no significant drop in levels.
I got the timing belt replaced too.

[cogWheel]

Originally Posted by amitmanjul

...
[list][*]Does it really require a replacement or is there a fix around it?[*]Can I somehow cajole SKODA to offer a good-will replacement?[*] What is the likelihood of it recurring again?[*] Any possible preventive measures?

Will be grateful to tap into the reservoir of knowledge available with the group.

Water pump leak is a known issue in the Octavia / Jetta twins. Have it replaced immediately. It is not repairable.
The pump leak can lead to coolant drip on the timing belt and damage it. Remember to have the timing belt inspected and replace that too if there are signs of damage.
There is no specific preventive measure. Checking coolant level frequently for early detection of a leak and saving the timing belt is the only thing one can do.

[amitmanjul]

Thanks for the inputs gentlemen. Basis your advice, I have booked an appointment at Tafe’s for Wednesday.

It will be great to have the coordinates of the right person to reach out for “Goodwill Guarantee “

[amitmanjul]

Originally Posted by itwasntme

Skoda may offer some goodwill warranty. Ask for it formally & politely but firmly.

Hi, I am pleased to share that after I put in a request through my SA, the TAFE service centre offered a 70% goodwill discount on materials. I didn’t negotiate further as I quickly needed my car back.

They completed the job in 24 hours, and I am collecting my car tomorrow.

My total expense is coming out to Rs.16035/- This includes Rs.9507 as materials cost and Rs.6527/- as labour charge.(redacted invoice attached for reference).

Hoping for many happy years of driving ahead!!

[carz]

I have the same problem now after 8 years, the car is at Raja skoda and they sent me a huge bill. I've told them clearly and have asked them for same good will warranty. Let me see if the come through.

[Jeroen]

Originally Posted by carz

I have the same problem now after 8 years, the car is at Raja skoda and they sent me a huge bill. I've told them clearly and have asked them for same good will warranty. Let me see if the come through.

Really?

A part breaks after 8 years and you believe you are entitled to good will warranty? Remind me never ever to sell you anything!

Jeroen

[carz]

Ha ha ha..You will laugh more when I say that my car has done just 40k kms in this 8 years and the cost of repair being quoted to me is upwards of 85k.

[itwasntme]

Originally Posted by Jeroen

A part breaks after 8 years and you believe you are entitled to good will warranty?

Agree, 8 years is expecting far too much.

Originally Posted by carz

Ha ha ha..You will laugh more when I say that my car has done just 40k kms in this 8 years and the cost of repair being quoted to me is upwards of 85k.

What is the breakup of the bill? Are they changing the timing belt/kit too?

One unfortunate drawback of this particular engine is that any coolant leakage tends to slowly get into the timing belt area, and damages the belt and associated pulleys/tensioners.

[carz]

Originally Posted by Jeroen

Really?

A part breaks after 8 years and you believe you are entitled to good will warranty? Remind me never ever to sell you anything!

Jeroen

Originally Posted by itwasntme

Agree, 8 years is expecting far too much.

I only insisted when they said upto 7 years they would have tried. Mine is few months over 7 years.


What is the breakup of the bill? Are they changing the timing belt/kit too?

One unfortunate drawback of this particular engine is that any coolant leakage tends to slowly get into the timing belt area, and damages the belt and associated pulleys/tensioners.

39k for thermostat assembly, and then gasket, seal, seal ring, bolt, throttle cleaner, thermostat coupler etc. make the rest. I don't see timing belt in the list of items. Will definitely check for it with them