Independent specialist Baz Meredith tackled a 2018 Volkswagen Golf in his latest video, addressing a common water pump coolant leak and a flashing glow plug warning light.
Diagnosing the coolant leak on the 63,000-mile Golf, Baz identified a failing water pump after finding soaked engine sound deadening. He used an under-engine support to hold the motor, then stripped the timing cover, fuel filter housing, and DPF pipes.
To replace the timing belt, Baz emphasised using proper locking pins on the cam, fuel pump, and crankshaft rather than relying on paint marks. He highlighted that the cam and fuel pump sprockets must be slackened and free-floating to achieve accurate belt tension.
Baz warned technicians never to compress the sliding shroud on the new water pump, which causes cooling failures. He also advised keeping the original studs, noting a technical bulletin warning against snapping caused by incorrect pulley slackening.
To resolve the flashing glow plug light at 2,000 rpm, Baz replaced the dual oil pressure switches. The grey sensor was heavily carbon-blocked, preventing the variable oil pressure system from registering high pressure, which was verified using live data on a scan tool.
