Cooling or temperature gauge issue

[chenko]

2000 2L Golf owner of some years

Never had a problem before with this but driving the other day the temp gauge got into the red zone and light came on.

I pulled over, turned car off had a little look...started back up and drove off and the gauge stayed on 90 (middle). Ok for now i thought.

But now temp gauge warms up a lot quicker then usual and with about 5 mins driving starts to get over the 90 and warning light has come on a few times. Plenty of coolant so that isn't the problem.

Last time it did it i parked and just watched the engine. The front fans after working hard in idle suddenly went off and the gauge immediately dropped back to normal from near red. I assume if it was overheating it couldn't cool itself immediately but the temp gauge dropped immediately!?

Seems to prefer idle over being driven.

No other symptoms and still running the same.


Any insights would be appreciated as not very mechanically savvy, bit wary now to drive it anywhere for fear of damaging something.

Thanks in advance

[Umai Naa!!]

Most likely, the water pump has failed. It's a common problem.

[RolfGolf]

Has it had the timing belt and water pump replaced previously? - generally they are done at the same time ... The plastic impeller on the stock water pump breaks after a while leading to overheating - the replacement model water pump has a metal impeller.

Best Wishes.

[chenko]

Thanks for the replies

The timing belt was done but don't think any water pump has been replaced.

Car is up to about 160000km.

Any ideas on how much if this is the problem it might cost?

Can i damage it if i keep driving in this condition?


Last questions i promise!

[RolfGolf]

Yes, you can damage it if you keep driving it - camshaft belt can fail as a result of stuffed water pump leading to valve damage etc.

I'd get it checked out asap. You might want to check Recommended Repairers and Parts Suppliers

Perhaps send Golf Loon at Camden GTI a PM to enquire about cost.

[zakkus]

Hey mate.

I had the same problem with my 2002 2l GLE at 162000kms where the waterpump completely failed.

Difference was mine litterally blew and bled all the coolant. Get it checked out incase the same thing happens to you.

From memory my replacement pump and install was bout 500 or 600 so its not a cheap fix (on the side of the motor hard to get to)

[dylan8]

thermostat jammed closed?

[chenko]

Thanks all again

Rolfgolf ......ok will be careful and watch the gauge closely....yes i have used GolfLoon before and been happy with his work just campbelltown is an hrs drive so would be worried car couldnt make it that distance in current state

Zakkus.....you and the other guys i think are right as it is leaking coolant now .......i did fill it up (probably overfilled) as was down near minimum

Dylan8 ....you overestimate my car knowledge ......will have a poke around

[dubbed]

Wouldn't hurt to do the timing belt again if you're replacing the water pump (make sure you get one with a metal impellor).

[chenko]

Wouldn't hurt to do the timing belt again if you're replacing the water pump (make sure you get one with a metal impellor).

Yeah would do....cheers

Now to debate whether to limp it for an hrs drive

[Golf Loon]

Sounds like classic waterpump failiure.
You should always replace when doing the timing belt. All has to come apart again now.
Call past for diagnosis and repair if you like.

[chenko]

Sounds like classic waterpump failiure.
You should always replace when doing the timing belt. All has to come apart again now.
Call past for diagnosis and repair if you like.

Will send you a PM man cheers

You have worked on the car before.....2 front window regs (more plastic crap failures) and a service

[balkanac]

Now to debate whether to limp it for an hrs drive

mate i wouldnt even start the car, let alone drive it for an hour.
If your water pump is not working anymore, you have no coolant flow trhough the engine, which means no cooling of the engine.
If the temp goes up high enough you could bend the head, which means it has to come off, which means $2-3k to fix.
so maybe it's better to spend a few hundered on a tow truck than having the engine rebuilt

[chenko]

mate i wouldnt even start the car, let alone drive it for an hour.
If your water pump is not working anymore, you have no coolant flow trhough the engine, which means no cooling of the engine.
If the temp goes up high enough you could bend the head, which means it has to come off, which means $2-3k to fix.
so maybe it's better to spend a few hundered on a tow truck than having the engine rebuilt

Thanks mate. To me it seems the pump is not completely gone yet (provided that is the problem) as car is able to maintain normal temp at times...its like it kicks in and out. I understand there is a risk though but already looking at an X repair. Cheers.

[chenko]

Update for anyone interested or in similar situation.

Tried driving down the M7 but it didn't last long without heating up so rather then risk it any further got it towed to Golf Loon.

Was indeed the water pump!

Damn you VW and having to replace every plastic piece in the car with metal.

Running well now