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Model specific boards => Golf mk4 => Topic started by: boyob32 on 18 March 2010, 14:02

Title: Help!!
Post by: boyob32 on 18 March 2010, 14:02
Recently when i started up the car the temp sign would flash before finally going off. I was planning on changing the coolant reservoir...

However whilst driving today it began flashing and the temp rose to 130. After stopping the car, i popped the bonnet and the coolant level was high and bubbling...i have searched and think it's the worse case scenario, however what can i check regarding alternative problems??
Title: Re: Help!!
Post by: darren1.8t on 18 March 2010, 14:05
stuck thermostat?? water pump or head gasket?? check the oil cap to see if the oil is milky? if your worried about head gasket then a garage can use a special tester which tells you if the head gasket has gone? but check the themostat first  :huh:
Title: Re: Help!!
Post by: boyob32 on 18 March 2010, 14:08
Where abouts is the thermostat located and how can i test it??
Title: Re: Help!!
Post by: northeast_gti-t on 18 March 2010, 14:13
have a look here http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=101783.0
Title: Re: Help!!
Post by: darren1.8t on 18 March 2010, 14:15
thats the cheapest and easy option m8 if not the could be head gasket  :undecided: let us no how ya get on good luck
Title: Re: Help!!
Post by: boyob32 on 18 March 2010, 14:25
what can i look for to check the head gasket?
Title: Re: Help!!
Post by: darren1.8t on 18 March 2010, 15:46
heater not working or look in the oil filler cap to see if the oil has gone milky colour? if not check to see if the water bottle is getting pressured up!
Title: Re: Help!!
Post by: boyob32 on 18 March 2010, 17:42
getting my mate to plug it in on Sat.

Just checked it out, clear liquid in the coolant tank and the oil looks fine. No temp light on start up and no signs of bubbling coolant!

Fingers crossed for the thermostat  :embarassed:

Was getting it serviced on sat but im thinking the money will be spent elses where.....
Title: Re: Help!!
Post by: boyob32 on 18 March 2010, 20:30
quick update and question!  started it up and let it warm. Barely boy heat come into the car through vents. Also the pipe coming from the thermostat was hot but the pipe from the bottom of the radiator was cold? Any suggestions?
Title: Re: Help!!
Post by: mick ov mids on 18 March 2010, 20:40
i some times have the same problem with mine i.e the temp light flashin and beeping its balls of on start up but i think mines down to changing my air filter to a k & n typhoon becos i never had this problem when the standard airbox was fitted, atm im not to concerned about it as my oil is clean, im sure this cud also be down to a dodgy sensor? could be wrong tho so dont quote me on that  :drool:
Title: Re: Help!!
Post by: richw911 on 18 March 2010, 20:43
i some times have the same problem with mine i.e the temp light flashin and beeping its balls of on start up but i think mines down to changing my air filter to a k & n typhoon becos i never had this problem when the standard airbox was fitted, atm im not to concerned about it as my oil is clean, im sure this cud also be down to a dodgy sensor? could be wrong tho so dont quote me on that  :drool:

That will be the metal sensor in the expansion tank  :wink:
Title: Re: Help!!
Post by: mick ov mids on 18 March 2010, 20:52
i some times have the same problem with mine i.e the temp light flashin and beeping its balls of on start up but i think mines down to changing my air filter to a k & n typhoon becos i never had this problem when the standard airbox was fitted, atm im not to concerned about it as my oil is clean, im sure this cud also be down to a dodgy sensor? could be wrong tho so dont quote me on that  :drool:

That will be the metal sensor in the expansion tank  :wink:
yeh kinda had a feeling it would have something to do with that , is there a was of stopping the temp light other than replacing the standard box back on?
Title: Re: Help!!
Post by: boyob32 on 19 March 2010, 01:53
i assume that wouldn't cause the major overheating i had?
Title: Re: Help!!
Post by: darren1.8t on 19 March 2010, 06:52
no m8 you need to let it get really warm and see if the themostat is opening? this could be why the bottom hose is not getting hot! but you need to let the engine get hot for the themostat to work! also while the engine is running just leave the heater on hot but not with the heater blowing! but i would deffo try ya themostat first  :cool: good luck
Title: Re: Help!!
Post by: boyob32 on 19 March 2010, 09:57
I'll be on it today! cheers
Title: Re: Help!!
Post by: boyob32 on 19 March 2010, 10:02
In fact another question, if i can't tell due to incompetence, when it gets plugged in tom, i assume if it is the stat it will pinpoint that fault?
Title: Re: Help!!
Post by: darren1.8t on 19 March 2010, 12:04
erm im not to sure??? it mite do  :huh:
Title: Re: Help!!
Post by: northeast_gti-t on 19 March 2010, 12:24
i dont think it will  :wink: the only fault codes you will get refer to the coolant temp sensor and they usually have the normal fault code number and it will say error in mapped cooling system iirc
Title: Re: Help!!
Post by: gerlewis on 19 March 2010, 12:25
sounds like the thermostat is stuck closed (probably given up the ghost).

Open up the housing, take it out, and stick the housing back on.

Then top up any lost water, and go for a spin. You should find the car struggles to get warm, but works fine.

You can live like this until you get a new thermostat.
Title: Re: Help!!
Post by: boyob32 on 19 March 2010, 13:16
Will give it a go! Thanks to all!

Will update any results!
Title: Re: Help!!
Post by: T_J_G on 19 March 2010, 17:41
quick update and question!  started it up and let it warm. Barely boy heat come into the car through vents. Also the pipe coming from the thermostat was hot but the pipe from the bottom of the radiator was cold? Any suggestions?

waterpump
Title: Re: Help!!
Post by: boyob32 on 20 March 2010, 11:03
Been checked out today. Pretty certain it's the water pump, although am going to get the thermostat done also....

Handy having a vw technician as a mate though.....water pump + cambelt + stat + expansion tank (getting flashing light on start up) + full service at a measly cost of 250!

Title: Re: Help!!
Post by: boyob32 on 20 March 2010, 11:35
Confirmed, the impellor has gone...
Title: Re: Help!!
Post by: darren1.8t on 20 March 2010, 16:23
better than head gasket  :smug: