I have a VW Golf GTi 'W' reg and water won't stay in the engine. I have been told it could be the water pump and if it is I will need the timing belt replaced at the same time. Total cost about £200 which includes something else to do with the timing belt as well - I think the mechanic said "timing belt set up". Am I being conned into spending more than I need to. Is he telling me the truth.

Any help greatly appreciate.

Dont know wether this is any help or not but a few months ago I was having trouble with our car, and someone on here sugested trying a owners club web site for advice.

It was great, in no time at all I had the answer to the problem, and had the car fixed within the day.

Go google!!!!!

The water pump simply circulates the water around your engine.

For water to be leaking from there would seem to indicate a cracked housing.

Your car being a 'W' reg, I trust it's a new 'W' and not a 1980 model? If it was the older type it sounds like a rubber water pipe has perished.

Timing belts are about £40 to buy but can sometimes take ages to fit on certain cars, whacking up the labour costs.