VR6 Coolant Temperature Problem

[Gti_Jamo]

Got myself a VR6 the other day and noticed that the coolant temperature would not rise above 70 - 75 degrees when driving but hits and stays at 90 degrees when stationary. Takes ages to warm up. Also getting a coolant smell through the heaters while stationary. My first thought was the thermostat but changed that today and its no different. Car still drives fine, the coolant level remains the same, no leaks etc but assume it will be using too much fuel if its not at optimum temperature. The car is a 1992 model. Any advice would be appreciated as really want to try and sort it out.

[Screech16v]

Maybe your new stat is duff.

[Gti_Jamo]

No when sitting idling from cold the bottom hose remains cold until it gets up to around 75 - 80 degrees then it becomes hot which tells me its working fine. The problem only arises when moving, Temp drops right down as does the heaters. Its a strange one like for sure.

[leigh_harty]

You may have an air lock?

[Gti_Jamo]

I did think that but when refilling with coolant I filled it through the top hose until it appeared in the expansion tank. Then ran it for a bit with the cap off whilst squeezing the hoses to expel the air. Would an air lock not cause overheating rather than under heating. Like I said its all fine when stationary, just when moving.

[leigh_harty]

The way ive always bled my system is to fill it up through the expansion tank, leave the cap off untill the fans kick in. Put lid on and all systems are go. Maybe replace your have waterpump if you dont paperwork to prove its been done?

[Gti_Jamo]

Maybe see bout getting the pump done. I'm maybe thinking something is up with the heater matrix given I am getting a coolant smell on idle through the heaters. Goes away as soon as I start driving. Doesn't appear to be any leaks or wet carpets though.

[Screech16v]

This is not right to me ,an air lock would cause overheating,a bad water pump would not cause overcooling,could the temp sender be reading wrong,there could be a small leak anywhere on the system and the coolant smell could  come through the vents.

[leigh_harty]

He has a vr6... the waterpump is a piece of mind job 

[Screech16v]

Ah