Overheating Problem

[rennwerkes]

Drove the car this evening.
When I start going up a slight incline the temp starts to climb to about 3/4 on the temp gauge.
So far it doesn't seem to go any higher.
If I coast downhill then the temp will drop back down to the middle.
But once the road levels off temp starts to climb back up to 3/4's.
Searching this forum, it seems as most find their thermostats stuck open.
I'm assuming mine is the rare one that is stuck closed but wanted to double check for feedback.
Thanks!

[mtroxel]

Strongly suspect the stat.

[Okedokey]

Or fans. If you're going down hill more air, cooling the radiator.

[aluthman]

Or fans. If you're going down hill more air, cooling the radiator.

Pretty sure the airflow is the same unless he is actually driving faster downhill.

I'm guessing it's a tstat issue or a possible bubble in the system.

[rennwerkes]

Thanks for the feedback.
The temp has been good for a long time so it's unlikely a bubble got into the system.
I'm going to do the thermostat this coming weekend.
Not looking forward to it but fortunately there's a lot of diy info.

[mtroxel]

Not looking forward to it but fortunately there's a lot of diy info.

Just did that myself 2 weeks ago. Looks like a pain, but it's not....that is once you get the coolant drained. I hate that job.

[rennwerkes]

Just did that myself 2 weeks ago. Looks like a pain, but it's not....that is once you get the coolant drained. I hate that job.

Mind sharing how you drained your's?
Did you just pull the bottom hose?

[zeitmorder]

I'd guess thermostat or waterpump or ECT sensor. I've had a stuck open thermostat, the engine will always hang around 1/4 to under 1/2 mark on the temp gauge, and you'll throw a check engine light on the freeway (never did on surface streets) The waterpump will either leak, of the plastic propeller blades will eventually detach themselves from the metal axle and spin freely regardless of rpm.

If you change the waterpump, may as well do the timing belt/pulleys.

[mtroxel]

Mind sharing how you drained your's?
Did you just pull the bottom hose?

I used the little valve in the bottom hose. Got a hose that goes over it, I save my coolant and pour it back in when I'm done. When you turn that valve 90˚ and you think it should be open….keep turning till it looks like it’s coming out of the hose. Then the flow starts. When that’s drained, I pull a hose off the heater core and blow in it to force coolant out of the block. When you’ve got it all that way, you lose very little coolant when you remove that stat.

[rennwerkes]

I'd guess thermostat or waterpump or ECT sensor. I've had a stuck open thermostat, the engine will always hang around 1/4 to under 1/2 mark on the temp gauge, and you'll throw a check engine light on the freeway (never did on surface streets) The waterpump will either leak, of the plastic propeller blades will eventually detach themselves from the metal axle and spin freely regardless of rpm.

If you change the waterpump, may as well do the timing belt/pulleys.

I'm really hoping it's not the water pump. :(
Definitely will do the complete timing belt job if it is.

[rennwerkes]

I used the little valve in the bottom hose. Got a hose that goes over it, I save my coolant and pour it back in when I'm done. When you turn that valve 90˚ and you think it should be open….keep turning till it looks like it’s coming out of the hose. Then the flow starts. When that’s drained, I pull a hose off the heater core and blow in it to force coolant out of the block. When you’ve got it all that way, you lose very little coolant when you remove that stat.

Got it!
I heard from others that it's a PITA to open that valve?

[Rody_C]

Check if the fans work, a easy way is turn on the a/c, if not start working at least one fan, the problem is the fan control module

[Theiceman]

I just my stat yesterday it was the easiest stat I have done on any audi I have ever owned.

just make sure you get the coolant pipe oring before you even start.

having a "pick" to remove the rubber pipes from the fittings makes the job a breeze.

like most things its about having the right tools before you even start.

[rennwerkes]

Thanks, will check fans.
But I suspect the thermostat since even at highway speeds the temperature doesn't come down and the lower radiator elbow isn't getting very hot.

[rennwerkes]

I just my stat yesterday it was the easiest stat I have done on any audi I have ever owned.

just make sure you get the coolant pipe oring before you even start.

having a "pick" to remove the rubber pipes from the fittings makes the job a breeze.

like most things its about having the right tools before you even start.

Roger that.
Already ordered one up.