Temperature issues - 16v

[spikenipple]

Hi all,

I drove roughly 300 miles to Romford and back on Sunday and my car was running like a dream with no problems whatsoever...
When I started the drive to work on Monday and inevitably got stuck in a shed load of traffic (for 30 minutes), the coolant temperature shot up to 110c and oil temperature up to 106.
The thing is, when I drive along normally the temp sits at 70c and doesn't go below it. I'm not entirely sure about the thermostat fitted to this car as it has always consistently sat at 70c and never gone above or below this when heated up, whether in traffic or not. Alongside this, the car is quite lumpy at low revs.

Another thing I've noticed (more so today especially) is that sometimes my engine speed doesn't drop back to idle very quickly; it will sit at 1400RPM+ for 5-10 seconds before dropping back to idle speed. Please note, this only started on Monday too.

Am I right in thinking I need to have a look at the thermostat and/or water pump?
I've cleaned the ISV before (about 18 months ago) so I probably need to do that again right?

Coolant level is fine
Oil level is fine

[VW BUSH]

Do the stat asap, and buy a good one not an ecp special.
Worry about the idle after you are sure the stat and cooling are good and wont fry the head

[tweed]

New thermostat sounds like a vacuum leak and does your radiator fan come on?

Tip when this happens.  Turn heaters on full heat and full speed fans.

[spikenipple]

Ok I'll get a new thermostat sorted. I've got a cambelt and tensioner ready to go on too so I'll do the lot all at the same time. Will buy aux belts too.

Do you think the stat is stuck closed, hence the temp rise?
Thanks for the heater tip; I had to do this in 2012 when the metal coolant pipe failed, alongside switching the car off at every possible opportunity!

I can't hear the fan when I'm in the car so I'm not sure, but normally the fan stays on for a bit after I've parked up. Didn't pay enouogh attention over the last couple of days to tell you if it is or not 

[boneybradley]

If you need a stat and aux belts, give me a shout as I stock them all and can usually do good prices (for good quality parts)

[VW BUSH]

If you need a stat and aux belts, give me a shout as I stock them all and can usually do good prices (for good quality parts)

Do you do fan switches as well hint hint

[boneybradley]

Do you do fan switches as well hint hint

yes do them by a couple of brands, which engine code?

[xionsolaris]

I have this problem and my thermostat is 2 months old now -_- i will change the fan switch soon the water pump has been changed 3 times

[VW BUSH]

I have this problem and my thermostat is 2 months old now -_- i will change the fan switch soon the water pump has been changed 3 times

I've bought duff stats, always chuck them in a kettle to see they work but don't boil them as that's stupid

[boneybradley]

My main supplier for stats is BGA (seem good value and quality and used by all the local mechanics round here for the last few years with no issues) otherwise I can do febi, valeo or Gates (valeo and Gates are that bit more pricey!)

I can also do genuine but you pay genuine prices for them!