1.8T 190 too hot

[dope]

Hi

My 1.8T 190 did a red 'Coolant!' warning yesterday. It was a hot day but I wasn't thrashing it and it wasn't loaded up or anything.

Temp gauge had gone up from the steady 90 degrees for the first time ever to about 3/4 the way up. I pulled over and checked the coolant level which was over the max mark in the header tank (with the lid still on obviously - it was too hot to open). I could hear a very slight bubbling in the block but I guess the coolant was boiling so didn't panic. Fans were running even with engine off.

So I let it cool a bit, started back up and carried on 5 more minutes to my destination. The warning didn't come back on and although the temp wandered just over the magic 90 it did come back soon after. The 15 minute trip home a few hours later was totally normal.

Today with the air con on i did a short trip and the thing smelt like that typical overheated engine smell but the temp stayed as it should. Before I set off (with the engine cool and idle) the coolant was just below the min mark.

I've time to look into it properly tomorrow so any suggestions welcome.


Cheers
Steve

 

[auroan]

Could be your water pump has failed.

 

[AU01 A4]

How many miles has it done?,

 

[Broken Byzan]

Could be your water pump has failed.

I would bet waterpump too, as the fans were running, so they work, the temp was 90 so the 'stat works. Logic conclusion is to have the pump checked.

 

[dope]

Thanks for the replies.

AU01 - It's got just over 70k on it. Had a main dealer full service a couple of months ago. Oh and I had to top the oil this week - used 5W30 fully synthetic.

So can I do a test myself to see if the water pump is working? Something like run it up to temp with the cap off till the thermostat opens and watch for circulation somewhere? Or is it a garage only check?

And if it is the water pump what kind of bill do you think I'm looking at?


Cheers

 

[dope]

More info, I hope this might confirm if it is the water pump:

Just ran it into town and back - something like 40 miles round trip. Absolutely fine when driven sensibly or even sitting in traffic but pretty much as soon as it's given a spanking the temp goes up to around 3/4 and the big red 'coolant!' warning comes on. Back off the gas and it drops back to 90 again.

There's a bunch of water under the header tank that's got out somewhere, I guess while it was too hot?? Possibly out of the header tank cap??

I let it idle up to 90 degrees before I set off and the top hose was warm but not the return pipe to the header. Checked again a couple of miles later and both were warm.

Really appreciate the advice of the wise here!!

Cheers

 

[Broken Byzan]

That sounds 99% Water pump mate. Its a front off job, and TBH should get done at the same time as the Timing belt, but seldome does. Its as much work as a TB job, without the cost of the parts, stupid thing is the WP is under £30 and labour a good £200

 

[dope]

Thanks very much for the advice everyone, I'm getting the pump changed for a metal one and having the cam belt done at the same time.

Pump and cam belt kit £130 all in from Euro Car Parts.

Labour £100 "special deal".

Fingers crossed that nails the problem. Probably a good thing the pump went though - no doubt I'd have put off the cam belt change till it was too late!

 

[Broken Byzan]

A timely failiure it would seem as 70 is the absolute max i would run on the cambelt changes. At £100 for labour, you scored a bargain there.

 

[J7USS]

Labour £100 "special deal".

£100?Is that it?...is that from Dealer...?

 

[quattrojames]

Timing belt change with water pump for £230?!!

 

[docurley]

God dam thats cheap I have the same issue and I will be doing it all myself with a few additions.