Have I killed my car?

[joker6789]

Alright everyone,
                      Well I managed to get my hands on a cheap GTI 8v 1990 spec. Definatley a project as there are a good few things wrong with it.
                  Ther real concern was yesterday went for a drive for about an hour, wasnt exactly ragging it just cruising. Got back to my house and i notice the engine temps at 3/4.
                  Got out and nipped into the house for a water bottle to come out and see on the water on the floor.
                  Opened the bonnet had a look (im no expert by far)
couldnt make out whether it had come from a loose pipe or if the cap wans't on proplerly.
                  i'm concerned because it was really hot, the front wheels and brakes were boiling.
                  Took it out for a 30 min drive today, didnt go past half way on the engine temp gauge, noticed little bit of white smoke coming out of the exhaust when starting up and changing gears.
                  A search on this site suggests changing the spark plugs? And having a look at a few other things.
                  Got a Vw specialist coming over this evening to have a look and tell me whats going on as its not been checked since i bought it last saturday.
                  Sorry for the essay people. any help is appreciated!
                  James

[shrocco]

you need to take it to someone with half a clue for a start.

[gtigolfthree]

You need to hope that the cap was not on right refill with coolant make sure the cap is on and just keep an eye on the guage and the coolant level. Get your brakes checked out too especially the thickness of the discs

[Matty-MK3]

White smoke? Normally would indicate headgasket. 

Any water comming out the exhaust?

Try opening in the header tank, does the water jump violently around when the engine is warm?

[Daston]

Best thing to do would be pop the bonnet and start the car up.

Try and have a look about for any leaks, mine leaked from the water flange on the side of the head, other places could be oil cooler on the front or the hoses around the over flow tank or rad.

If you are unable to find any water coming out have a look at the bottom of your oil cap to see if there is any mayo (also check dip stick and crank case breather pipe). If there is it sounds like your HG has failed.

If you you have access to tools and got time on your side its not that hard to replace. I would say mine took 6-8 hours however I had to keep running in the house as it kept raining!!! I also am in no way a mechanic just someone armed with a haynes manual, lots of tools and very very helpful club members whos advice was excellent (cheers guys)

I am putting a how to guide together and will post it in the MK2 section when finished.