Probs with temperature golf mk2

[dasachmo]

hi, i have a mk2 b reg golf, and ive just started using it out and about, its been in garage for a year or two since we last used it, and i took it out, and the engine temp just kept rising,  

i turned car off before it got to about 75% of the way along, but it passed the lil LED in the middle of the indicator,   the warning light didnt come on tho, it wasnt that far along,

is this a usual problem, or is there anyway of solving it?

[Mart8V]

Couple of things to look at-

Is the coolent reservoir full?

Does the fan come on at any time?  on most cars the fan should kick in as the needle heads over half way (depending on which switch has been fitted etc).  If the car has ben sat then the switch may have corroded and will need replacing (vey easy and cheap)

Is the thermostat knackered?

Have you got an air lock in the cooling system?  Turn on the heater in the car when engine is up to temperature, and see whether there is any warm air.  This could indicate an air lock if not.

All of these things are cheap fixes, but from what I can make out most Mk2's seem to have this problem from time to time.  Mine temp needle goes up to about 5/8 in heavy traffic, but fan should bring it down again to about half way, and have never had the LED flash at me.  Have replaced the fan switch and the fan motor which sorted earlier problems.

Good luck!