16V Overheating

[simoncox]

I recently changed one of the water pipes coming off the pump and now it seems to be overheating very easily.  I've tried bleeding the system by loosening a jubilee clip on one the pipes leading through the bulkhead at the top and a small amount of air came out.  However, it still overheats after about 10 minutes of driving.  The temperature guage goes up to about 3/4 and the fan does come on, but goes off before the temperature goes down again!

It also seems to be losing water, but I'm pretty sure its only coming from the overflow of the resevoir.

To make matters worse, odd noises seemed to start when I lift my foot off the clutch, even in neutral.  This has been happening for ages and a mechanic told me it was the thrust bearings (I think) and it was nothing to worry about.  However, after getting these overheating problems the noise is getting MUCH louder.

Is it gonna be damaging the car if I keep driving it?  I'm really out of ideas.

Thanks,
Simon Cox

[golfvr6]

Try changing the thermostat and the expansion tank cap.

[bishthefish]

Thrust bearing noise is the bearing wearing, mine stops grinding when i dip the clutch and take the slack up on the clutch plate... time for a new clutch before you damage the flywheel or box   a lot of garages dont change the bearings when they do a clutch change !!

[golfvr6]

Don't they?
depends where the bearing is.
can change it with box in car on some.

[simoncox]

I really don't want to get a new clutch, it was only replaced a few thousands miles ago ... along with the rest of the engine after the old one's oil pump died.  I haven't had much luck, but I still love it!

[golfvr6]

You won't need a new clutch to get the bearing done on the 16v, the release bearing is in the end of the gearbox so it can be replaced with the gearbox still in the car, so shouldn't be big money.

[simoncox]

Right, I started trying to changing to the themostat today ... bloody nightmare.  VW in their wisdom thought it would be a good idea to put the power steering pump bracket right under the bottom of the water pump.  I tried to take off the bracket, but after undoing all the bolts that seemed to be holding it in place it wouldn't budge.  

Failing something obvious that I'm missing, does anyone know a good garage in Southampton that won't charge too much?

[golfvr6]

I'm in Woking, surrey, if you don't mind travelling.

[simoncox]

Thanks for the offer, but it would take ages getting up there having to wait for it to cool down all the time.  I'm gonna try and get a garage down here to change it over.  Do you know roughly how long it takes, in case they try to fleece me?

[Gambit]

i got charged ?40 for fitting a new thermostat in my 16v