8v getting hot in traffic

[Reasty]

I have a 94 8v gti and my issue is that in normal driving all is fine but as soon as the car is sat in traffic it gets very hot very fast the temp goes right up to just over 110 and the warning light starts flashing,I know the fan is working correctly as ive checked it,the car hasn't acctually overheated yet but I'm just concerned about how hot it gets,one it's moving again temp goes back down to normal any body had this problem? 

[Wayne]

Air lock, blocked rad or maybe thermostat.

[ianw3321]

Yes replace the thermostat, drain and flush out the cooling system, refill with fresh coolant paying attension to how it flows through radiator, also check physical condition of the radiator copper fins etc.

[Khare]

or it could be the head gaset going

Only if he's loosing water. Don't jump into conclusions that could scare the guy....

I'm putting my money on dodgy thermostat. Change it, and while the cooling system is empty, flush it through with a hose.

[Wayne]

As above, I don't think it will be a head gasket issue.

[ianw3321]

I agree if it not using water or mixing water with the oil or a performance issue then discount head gasket.

[Reasty]

Thanks for All the sugestions,gonna drain the system today and fit a new thermostat and flush the system through,it's not using alot of water and no Mayo under the cap and no oil in the water and also performance is fine (for an 8v) so hoping it's not the head gasket!! I'll let you know the outcome.