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Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: Djmac on 18 April 2012, 09:02

Title: mk3 golf 16v water/radiator issue?
Post by: Djmac on 18 April 2012, 09:02

Hi all, have some issues with my mk3 16v gti! The car is getting warm pretty quickly and spilling its header tank, i put water in, yet the  water light flashes on my dash! some times when i just start the car the water temp says its at normal temp and when i take it for a little spin out the guage reaches its peak temp?
is it a thermstat issue? Coulkd anyone help?

Title: Re: mk3 golf 16v water/radiator issue?
Post by: tweed on 18 April 2012, 09:21

First thing to check is start cold and see if bottom hose gets warm.

I think your water pump is f**ked or you have a bad blockage.

For sake of engine don't drive

Title: Re: mk3 golf 16v water/radiator issue?
Post by: mad4vws on 18 April 2012, 11:57

check all water pipes ,you might have a blockage or air lock if all else fails change waterpump . :wink: :smiley:

Title: Re: mk3 golf 16v water/radiator issue?
Post by: javalin on 18 April 2012, 13:09

is it overheating?  If so would be a airlock, or thermostat stuck issue.  If not, suspect header tank cap - good ones are blue.

James

Title: Re: mk3 golf 16v water/radiator issue?
Post by: Djmac on 18 April 2012, 13:47

its just had a new water pump! could the mechanic have done something wrong! what more can i do to check?

And yeh james it is overheating... i see steam coming out of my bonnet, ive not drove it since i read these comments!

Title: Re: mk3 golf 16v water/radiator issue?
Post by: Wayne on 18 April 2012, 13:48

Could be a head gasket issue if it is building that much pressure.

Title: Re: mk3 golf 16v water/radiator issue?
Post by: javalin on 18 April 2012, 13:53

doubt its waterpump, would suspect blockage/thermostat/airleak personally, or as Wayne says possibly headgasket.

James

Title: Re: mk3 golf 16v water/radiator issue?
Post by: Djmac on 18 April 2012, 14:15

thanks for the advise guys! if the head gaskets just gone, will there be signs of white residue straight under the oil fill cap, or is that after a while? i havnt checked mine yet, what other signs could i look out for! anyway of testing if the thermostat is working without stripping?

Title: Re: mk3 golf 16v water/radiator issue?
Post by: javalin on 18 April 2012, 14:43

If headgasket gone = water in oil, or oil in water, or water out of the exhaust etc.  A garage can test for these.

Thermostat - your radiator will not warm up if stuck shut, once water temp is 90c. (feel temps of top and bottom hoses)

James

Title: Re: mk3 golf 16v water/radiator issue?
Post by: Djmac on 19 April 2012, 15:27

havin a go with the car now... ive topped the water up as it was low so the temp light is off... ive ran it for 20 mins and the bottom and top hose is warm! everything seems ok now topped up, just last time i did this it spilled the header tank?

Title: Re: mk3 golf 16v water/radiator issue?
Post by: tweed on 19 April 2012, 15:33

Top hose should warm first as TS is closed then once up to temp the TS will open so bottom hose will get warm.

Both warm up together means TS is stuck open
Both staying cold means TS is stuck shut.

Title: Re: mk3 golf 16v water/radiator issue?
Post by: Djmac on 19 April 2012, 15:58

Water level was pretty low, so ive topped it up and the radiator bottom and top hoses are getting warm?
ive just added water, but it seems realy low on anti freeze, will this effect alot for just testing?