help with engine running hot a4 1.8t petrol

[idbrooke]

Hi

i have a a4 1.8t 1997 and engine running hot it did have a split pipe which has now been repaired but after filling up it runs at 100 at just running round town when on the motorway goes into 115. tried emptying and starting again but still have the same problem help. also how much coolant should be in it as looks very week now.

thanks
ian

 

[voteforpedro]

Water pump or thermostat.

 

[murran]

is the heater getting hot?

 

[aragorn]

Probably the impeller on the water pump has broken.

Dont keep driving it, or it'll be needing a headgasket next.

 

[Broken Byzan]

The pipe probably split due to too much pressure due to the water boiling due to the faulty water pump

As stated by our resident expert, do not keep driving it without getting it checked

 

[murran]

if you take the thermostat housing off and thermostst out you can get you finger in to the back of the water pump to see if it feels loose without disturbing all the cambelt.

 

[colicabcadam]

does your car heat up quicker than usual? if it does, the thermostat is not opening and the water is not flowing through the cooling system.

if it doesn't, there's a big chance your water pump has gone, do not drive your car anymore, 100 is ok, but 115 is really pushing it and you risk doing perminant damage to your engine

there is a chance you've not bleed the system correctly, remove the coolant cap, start the engine (from cold) and let it tick over, do any bubbles come up before it reaches boiling point??

the coolant may also be crap, good coolant does not boil at the same temp as water, more like 110, so if you have crap coolant, it will boil over easier and create airlocks

 

[jcb]

my vote is the pump. get a proper metal impeller one and replace it.

Is the radiator getting hot? check teh top hose?
If it is, is your fan coming on? any idle issues?
check cheap options first, Thermostat (remove drop in a cup of boiling water, if it doesnt open it is goosed), Temp Sensor (swap with a known working one or just replace with new anyway they are cheap).

 

[idbrooke]

heater is getting hot

 

[jcb]

heater matrix is connected directly to the engine not to the radiator and "post" thermostat system IIRC.
you could have a hot heater but not be up to Tstat temp.
It is the best way to cool down an already overheating car! whack the heater on full and open the windows!

 

[Broken Byzan]

water pump is not driven by the cam belt on these, it's driven by a short V belt.

It's easier to change with the car in the service position, but probably possible with the front in place but the car in the air for access.

 

[murran]

water pump is not driven by the cam belt on these, it's driven by a short V belt.

It's easier to change with the car in the service position, but probably possible with the front in place but the car in the air for access.

what engine code is it then? aeb?

 

[idbrooke]

hello

Dont suppose you have pictures do you?

would you recomend this as a diy job?

 

[aragorn]

All B5 A4's use the 058 block which has an external water pump

the 06x blocks used in B6> A4's and A3/Golfs have an internal timing belt driven pump.

 

[ado66]

you can do aeb water pumps without moving the front end or lifting the car, its a bit tight but probably the easiest way. getting the alternator bolts back in was the biggest problem i had.

 

[aragorn]

sticking the front end into service position will give you that bit extra room, and the only thing you need to remove is the front bumper.

 

[idbrooke]

Thanks everyone new pump in it and works good as gold cheers everyone