Intermittant Cooling Problem.

[bugbits]

My '81 1.8 GTi Cab is experiencing some random, intermittant coolant problems.

Every now and then the gauge goes into the red, complete with flashing LED and sometimes stays there, and other times returns to normal after a few minutes.

Have been keeping an eye on the oil temp whilst this happens and it does rise, but at a slow and steady rate.

Any ideas what could be causing this? The system does need a flush and replacing with new coolant, but could anything else be wrong?

[gibby]

If you are not losing coolant due to a leak or the dreaded head gasket then I reckon you should have the thermostat replaced to be on the safe side, as it might be sticking, it's only about £12 to buy, you could try VAG but I got one from Euro Car Parts when I replaced mine. 

The temp light will also flash if the coolant level is too low by the way. I can't see it being the head gasket either if the temp drops, I reckon sticking thermostat, had it myself.

[bugbits]

Cheers mate - will give that a go!

[Big-G]

Is the radiator fan working ?

Could be a dodgy connection, hence intermitant 

Would also explain why sometimes it comes back down and others not ?

But then again unless its standing still it should'nt get that hot 

[hc-animal]

IS the car actually getting that hot.(try putting heater on and see if temp comes down.) could be the gauge which is common fault. make sure earth to cylinder head is attached.

[bugbits]

Cheers for the input guys - will do some investigating tomorrow.

I've noticed it sometimes happens straight after a cold start up, with the temp going off the gauge - not entirely possible after 30 secs  of running!

Also noticed that by switching off the ignition then restarting 'resets' the problem - sometimes it somes back quickly, sometimes it doesn;t.

Faulty earth sounds the culprit to me.