golf gti mk2 1.8 16v overheating

[yellowgti]

i know where i can get my hands on a d reg mk2 gti but the temperature guage doesnt work and it overheats and the fan doesnt kick in! the chap who's selling it says he thinks a sensor isnt workin has anybody got any ideas because i need to know what the problem is before i buy it, thanks      i also use the mk3 forum as this is my other toy as some of you who went santapod will know

[gibby]

I don't know why the temp gauge doesn't work, but if it's overheating it could well be the head gasket has gone so check the oil and expansion tank for a mixture of water and oil. If the fan doesn't kick in then it could be a few things, fuse, the connection to the fan or thermostat gone. It it's the thermostat then that's a cheap fix, if it's h/g then oops.

[yellowgti]

i wasnt sure if it was the head gasket but if it is obviousely the worst sinario how much is it gonna rob my bank to fix?? or could i (just an average diy mechanic) do it myself with a haynes manual?? i also dont know wether to have it for everyday use or just track day?

[Gambit]

do a compression test on it, this is the only way you'll know if the headgasket has gone or not

check the temp sensor on the side of the head beside the water outlet, its the one with the red/yellow wire going to it

have you checked the wiring for the fan?

[yellowgti]

thanks for ur help m8, he says its been checked and it aint the head gasket as their is no signs of it so i was wondering if it could just be a water blockage ? anyway i have bought it now ive just gotta fetch it from porthmadog in wales, i have got it for 150 quid just a bit more than i expected but i have found out that its got gmax (i think) lowering springs, polished head, twin headlights, eyebrows, dtm exhaust, alloys and 4 good tyres,and a powerflow all the way through which cost 280 on its own, its also got full service history................. il keep you informed on how im doing with it and maybe next time il c u at a show in it and leave the mk3 at home!!! 

[Gambit]

well for £150 its defo worth a punt!!

[gibby]

Yup for £150 got nothing to lose on that, could break it and get more. As for the Powerflow exhaust, are you sure it's all the way through ? There's no way that all the way through would be £280 as the downpipe costs £140(ish) on it's own.  They normally only do them from the cat back or from the downpipe back.   

See you at the next show in a mk2 then ! 

[russ_turner]

if you want rid of the exhaust then im your man!

[yellowgti]

ayup gibby, after driving for 3 hours and getting lost numerous times i eventually found my way there, after looking at the car i decided to offer the lad less than what we agreed as it aint as good as it looks on the pic! so i got it for 100 quid (nice 1 lad) for the outside it needs the front bumper fitting properly as it was originally small bumper so it needs taking off and re-fitting also i need a door handle for the drivers side and the front passenger side wheel arch kit and wheel arch inner plastic, luckily i can get most of them gfrom the local scrappy! the exhaust was from deemon tweeks it says on the reciept scorpion system (no front pipe) with twin dtm tail pipes 234 pound, 66p !! its also got full service history, the recaro back seats i have taken them out they just need cleaning so if anybody wants them and have got summit i need let me know please !!

[pegasus]

  £100 for a valver - what a steal!!!

Tell me more about these recaro back seats u have.... do they have headrests in? Got any pics at all?

Cheers