GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: spikenipple on 12 February 2014, 18:00
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Hi all,
I drove roughly 300 miles to Romford and back on Sunday and my car was running like a dream with no problems whatsoever...
When I started the drive to work on Monday and inevitably got stuck in a shed load of traffic (for 30 minutes), the coolant temperature shot up to 110c and oil temperature up to 106.
The thing is, when I drive along normally the temp sits at 70c and doesn't go below it. I'm not entirely sure about the thermostat fitted to this car as it has always consistently sat at 70c and never gone above or below this when heated up, whether in traffic or not. Alongside this, the car is quite lumpy at low revs.
Another thing I've noticed (more so today especially) is that sometimes my engine speed doesn't drop back to idle very quickly; it will sit at 1400RPM+ for 5-10 seconds before dropping back to idle speed. Please note, this only started on Monday too.
Am I right in thinking I need to have a look at the thermostat and/or water pump?
I've cleaned the ISV before (about 18 months ago) so I probably need to do that again right?
Coolant level is fine
Oil level is fine
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Do the stat asap, and buy a good one not an ecp special.
Worry about the idle after you are sure the stat and cooling are good and wont fry the head
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New thermostat sounds like a vacuum leak and does your radiator fan come on?
Tip when this happens. Turn heaters on full heat and full speed fans.
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Ok I'll get a new thermostat sorted. I've got a cambelt and tensioner ready to go on too so I'll do the lot all at the same time. Will buy aux belts too.
Do you think the stat is stuck closed, hence the temp rise?
Thanks for the heater tip; I had to do this in 2012 when the metal coolant pipe failed, alongside switching the car off at every possible opportunity!
I can't hear the fan when I'm in the car so I'm not sure, but normally the fan stays on for a bit after I've parked up. Didn't pay enouogh attention over the last couple of days to tell you if it is or not :grin:
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If you need a stat and aux belts, give me a shout as I stock them all and can usually do good prices (for good quality parts)
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If you need a stat and aux belts, give me a shout as I stock them all and can usually do good prices (for good quality parts)
Do you do fan switches as well hint hint
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Do you do fan switches as well hint hint
yes do them by a couple of brands, which engine code?
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I have this problem and my thermostat is 2 months old now -_- i will change the fan switch soon the water pump has been changed 3 times
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I have this problem and my thermostat is 2 months old now -_- i will change the fan switch soon the water pump has been changed 3 times
I've bought duff stats, always chuck them in a kettle to see they work but don't boil them as that's stupid
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My main supplier for stats is BGA (seem good value and quality and used by all the local mechanics round here for the last few years with no issues) otherwise I can do febi, valeo or Gates (valeo and Gates are that bit more pricey!)
I can also do genuine but you pay genuine prices for them!
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Sorry buddy, I'd already ordered the parts I need by the time I saw your post.
Stat, expansion tank, alt belt, p/s belt and rocker cover gasket for £52 including 2 working day postage.
I just scanned the codes, looks like the coolant temp sensor has had a fault at some time...I wish the ECU was capable of logging a time & date!
I'll take it for a drive this evening and see if it pops up again.
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Do you do fan switches as well hint hint
yes do them by a couple of brands, which engine code?
Hint was to OP, I always check/replace/jump the fan switch when I have mystery cooling problems.
but good to know AGG/ABF prices as this is what I have atm
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Well this is going really well.
Fitted new cambelt, cam cover gasket and thermostat.
CP4L sent me the wrong cambelt kit (the type with a 10mm hole, whereas mine is 8mm)
They sent me the wrong alternator belt (too short)
Alt/PS crank pulley is wobbly so that needs to be replaced, that explains my intermittent power steering
Fan doesn't come on (it's stiff to turn so I imagine it's the fan assy)
Car is still idling high, I ran it up to temperature after putting it back together, I now know the new thermostat is working because my radiator has sprung a serious leak!!!
Fun fun fun, all round...
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I guess your 16v?
You will laugh at the price difference between the 2 cam belt kits (only difference is the tensioner and price!)
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Ha yep! Looks like it actually might've been an error on my part; I thought my engine was an earlier model than it actually is so I have the wrong one... I compared the two tensioners and except for the bolt hole there's no dimensional differences so there's no reason not to use the larger-holed tensioner. As the old (but correct) tensioner is quite rattly and has axial play I've fitted the new one anyway.
Not that it's much use when the car is in the state it is now ^_^