Does your 1.8 8v GTI run cool?

[Gary Cundliffe]

PB engine code...

Its my second mk2 GTI 8v and this one too runs cool; normally only getting to the first thin line on the temp gauge. Only getting stuck in traffic on a hot day will have it moving up, and the cooling fans then operate. Fine doing big licks on the motorway too.

New thermostats have made no difference. Its only a problem because the heater was rubbish last night!

Normally its warm enough, but last night in some very heavy rain on the motorway-at speeds where its normally cool, the temp gauge climbed up a few times- and when it dropped the heater went cold. All a bit odd as the needle went back to its "normal" position where previously its warm as toast.

Gaz.

[Horney]

No idea, both mine had broken temp gauages so I've always gone on the oil temp on the MFA which sits between 90 and 110 depending on how I drive it.

Nick

[Uruk Hai]

The one I've got now (8V) never seems to get that hot (oil about 94 in most traffic), the heater is awesome but it has had the by-pass valve removed and I think this might have something to do with it as my old 16V ran way too hot and the heater wasn't that good and that did have the by-pass valve 

[kappatango]

My '88 8v runs mid temp on the gauge.  sometimes just over in rush hour traffic.

Oil stays around 92 - 96 on a "to work" journey.....

[Neaty]

water temp wise mine sits between the first and second line peak so thats around town. My coolant could prob do with a change to be honest but he seems to do the job still

oil temp wise anything from 84 - 104

[Veedubgt18v]

temp in the middle oil 88-92 ish but if i cane it up to 100 degrees

[rubjonny]

Mine used to sit half way on the gauge, and so did my driver.  On both after I had the heads off, the temp gauge dropped down to the 1st line after the white zone

I believe this is because all the coolant holes in the gaskets were pretty much blocked up, and after coolant flow was much better around the engine.

This wont be the cause of your poor heaters though, its more likly to be a problem with the bypass valves VW fitted!  Yopu can get 2 brand new uncut hose from GSF for about £10 each, or you could just remove the valves and fit some copper pipe in the gap.

There is an increased risk that the matrix could blow however, but its not very common.  Changing the matrix isn't too bad, but very fiddly! There is a how2 in the maintenance+info section, the only thing I'd add is that remong the dash makes the job much easier!

[Gary Cundliffe]

Thats the answer, the coolant bypass valve is gonna get taken off and kicked up the road!

Thanks for all your help.

[kappatango]

Johnny - sry to hijack this thread.... My gti sits on half way, sometimes over.....what would be the best way to get ot down....or is it ok there??

[rubjonny]

Temp at half way or just over isn't a problem, if you're worried try flushing out the coolant system with a hosepipe and refilling with fresh antifreeze & water.

As long as the temp warning light isn't flashing all is well