Audi Repair: Coolant loss, coolant loss, coolant lines

Question
QUESTION: 1996 A6 Audi - As car idles and gets to normal operating temp (20-30 mins.), coolant is expelled through top of overflow cap. Also notice water/oil mix dripping out of exhaust pipe with small amount of smoke.  Checked oil- did not see any evidence of water and vice versa.  Did not notice leaks on hoses, but prior to coolant expulsion, noticed a leak possibly coming from the overflow reservior itself, but could not determine where.  Could this be the problem or could it be a thermostat or head gasket issue?  Any help appreciated.

ANSWER: Does the temp gauge just show normal temp or is it hot?  Is the level correct when cold?  Obviously there is pressure, which raises the boiling point.  Lose pressure=boiling problem.  Check the T-pieces in the coolant lines, can you see steam anywhere else when this happens?  Let me know,  Jan

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Ok, there seems to be a leak under the reservior itself not the hoses connected.  It starts as a slow leak then comes flying out of it before the temp jumps after the loss of pressure.  The other question I have is, should the coolant fans be kicking on.  Neither fan kicks on the entire time, however if I turn on the AC then one fan kicks on, could this also be contributing to the problem?

Answer
resevoirs are common failure items.  No the fan will not kick on, since the temperature where they normally kick on is not reached.  Since you have a pressure leak, the temperature does not go high enough.  Replace the reservoir and you should be all set.

Jan