Overheating 8v Mk 2

[jamesbfg]

Alright guys,

My 8v Golf keeps overheating. Not to the point of steam coming out of the engine but so the light on the dash starts flashing - mainly when stationary. The fan does kick in, but it seems to come on too late. I've changed the water and flushed the system but not doing much good.

Reckon there's plenty it could be but wondering if anyone has any pearls of wisdom on a checklist of things to look at?

Thanks.

[rubjonny]

where does the temp gauge needle sit, and what does the MFA oil temp say when the light flashes?

[dubslug]

im gonna guess dodgy connection on the header tank??

[jamesbfg]

Helpfully the MFA doesn't work anymore, and the temp needle gets pretty far over before it says

[rubjonny]

ok, pull the dash fuse for 30 seconds, might revive the MFA.  The temp gauge shouldn't go any further than 3/4 when stationary, 'normal' operating temp is around 1/2 on the gauge.  If the temp is normal when driving I'd go with the rad fan or temp switch has gone, check me coolant FAQ on how to diagnose and test parts of the cooling system

[jamesbfg]

Awesome, thanks John.