'98 A6 Q Wagon - antifreeze smell

You might have a very small (pin hole) leak int he cores that only leaks when there is a lot of pressure in the system. A lot of pressure is caused by it being too hot (bad thermostat) too much air in the system. the air compresses causes the excessive pressure. The low coolant is possibly due to the small leak.

I would replace the thermostat and while you are there replace the timing belt, water pump and tensioner pulley.

Tearing the core out varies in difficulty a lot between models. If yours is difficult I would consider adding some Stop Leak. Dost tell anyone that I said to do that :-) It worked just fine for my son's '98 A4 three

• years ago and is still f> Occasionally smell antifreeze in the car (passenger compartment) - is

I've certainly experienced the antifreeze smell, but I forget if it was with my '95 or '98 (both 2.8 Q wagons). I think that the problem had something to do with the manifold - if that makes any sense. Sorry, but I am not a mechanic and have a poor memory.

Good Luck, Bob