overheating

[dubslug]

guys plz give me as many reasons as to y my car is over heating so i can work through them and get my car back to normal again, normal running temp is just over half way and the light keeps coming on
cheers
rik

[golfvr6]

First things to check are thermostat, radiator fan switch and coolant tank cap.

[dubslug]

brand new water pump and thermostat, my old radiator out my old car as it worked, rad fan kicks in too and the cap seems fine, there is alot of pressure build up in the pipes too

[golfvr6]

Get the headgasket tested. Any garage will be able to check the coolant system for exhaust gases.

[dubslug]

ok how will they do that/?
cheers for ur help so far

[golfvr6]

They collect any gases coming out of the expansion tank, they like put something on top of it so the system is still sealed. If there are any exhaust gases present, then the headgasket is leaking. Are the coolant hoses rock hard? is there any weeping coming out the expansion tank vent?

[dubslug]

yeah the hoses are rock hard, havent seen any weeping though

[golfvr6]

Get it checked out!

[carpens]

The light also comes on when you're low on water, even if it's not actually overheating yet, but of course you've already checked that...!

[dubslug]

yeah thats fine, the red light also comes on alot a various temps, or if i hit the top of the dash, its getting a bit worrying now as i drive just short of 40 miles a day to and from work