Volkswagen Passat CC V6 coolant pump failure

I have a 2011 Volkswagen Passat CC 3.6 V6 and the V55 additional coolant pump is not running (aux pump) which should run when the engine is switched off to circulate coolant around the cylinder head. I have owned lots of VR6/1.8t engines before, some with pumps running some without.

I have removed the wiring and can see that the terminals are wet, so it has obviously leaked and shorted the pump out in a previous life. Would this pump not running have caused any long term engine damage with heat spots? The engine runs very hot and it has high mileage for its age, but I see no apparent evidence of damage elsewhere and the fans run fine etc.

Asked on 11 September 2014 by hjread

Answered by Honest John
My worry is how did the terminals get wet? As you know (and are afraid of), the narrow angle VR6 has just one cylinder head, creating a very large, flat area for the head gasket to seal and the potential for head gasket failure that leads to hot spots and burned out pistons.

So, first job is to trace the source of the leak and possibly get your VAG independent to use a probe to look for any signs of coolant damage to the piston crowns. Everything might be allright, but better not to run the risk of losing the engine.
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