Coolant reservoir

[l1ncs]

update: I have just drained the coolant and refilled with radiator flush. I ran the car at idle for around 15 minutes or so to get it warm as per the instuctions on the coolant flush.

Both the top and bottom pipes coming from the radiator got hot pretty quickly. Im guessing this means the thermostat is stuck open?

The water temperature eventually moved up to about half way. The fan cut in at times when it got above half way, so the fan doesnt seem to be the problem. Oil temperature got up to about 94-96. Do these water and oil readings sound normal? I didnt run the car for any longer than about 15-20 minutes or so but i didnt see any steam or anything like that. I also couldnt see any water leaks from anywhere also. The water level in the tank did seem to decrease during those 15 minutes though. Could this just be due to the water circulating around everything after been completely flushed out?

I am going to drain the radiator once more and then re-fill with plenty of anti-freeze and distilled water. Im alos going to visit VAG to get a blue reservoir cap. I know only trying it will tell for sure but do you think this should resolve the probelm?

[rubjonny]

the bottom rad hose should stay stone cold untill the guage gets to half way, if it gets warm almost straight away your stat is missing or stuck open!
Those oil temps are fine, but you'll find that when you actually drive the car the engine will run alot cooler, which is not good

[l1ncs]

Im going to change the thermostat tomorrow whihc should sort out the cold running problem. After driving around a bit tonight the coolant level seems to have dropped a lot. Trouble is I cant really see any leaks. There seems to be a bit of fluid around where the reservoir is so hopefully it is just that that is leaking. Ive put some card underneath it tongiht to see if there is any leakage from there. Im starting to worry that it could be the head gasket? Does this sound likely?

[rubjonny]

if it was the head gasket causing the coolant loss you would know about it, either your oil would be a horrible mayonaisy mess, or the coolant system would be black & filthy, and over pressurised.

Check the 2 plastic flanges bolted to the head, and your radiator

[l1ncs]

I have replaced the thermostat and the car seems to heat up correctly (temp guage goes up to about 1/2 - 2/3 way up the guage). However, the overheating problem now seems even worse. If the car is left standing or driven slowly the oil and water temps shoot right up. The oil temp was reading about 125 at one point. The exhaust seems to be blowing a fair bit of condensation and when the oil filler cap is taken off it seems to be sucking air in. Can anyone help and give me any ideas what could be wrong. Does it sound like the head gasket or something like that?

[petercrab]

hi, I'm experiencing what sounds like an identical problem. I loose water all the time through the expansion tank, and my system gets very pressurized, and always runs very hot.

I have clean coolant water and no mayonnaise around oil cap, so it looks like the head gasket is just fine. I am running out of ideas, I will try a new expansion tank cap, but I am not optimistic this will fix it.

[DarnPB]

Its a long shot but if there is no mayo to speak of, and the exhaust isn't pouring out water, then it could just be a simple problem of an air lock.
When you start the engine from cold, it is not unusual to see spits of water coming from the exhaust. That is condensation. But if you are losing water, and its not in the oil, then get someone to drive behind you to keep an eye on your exhaust for water. Water in the oil could mean either head gasket or oil cooler gone.
Water out of the exhaust will mean head gasket, or extemely rarely, holed water jacket.
If you suspect an airlock, then remove one of the water temp sensors in your top hose connector and slowely fill the tank again, every now an again squeezing a hose.