Aussieveedubbers · Tech Talk

Engine running too cold...

https://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/threads/89822/engine-running-too-cold

dingobaz ·

Geetings all

I have a 2001 1.6 Golf and have recently had a major service performed - including timing belt change, all the filters, drive belt, spark plugs, water pump- ever since it has developed one brand new problem after another in quick succession - the latest being...

When the car is actually in motion the engine temp gauge reads approx 75 degrees - when I am stationary it moves back to a normal 90 degrees. As soon as I start moving again, back down it goes to 75 degrees or so.

Is this as simple as a busted thermostat? Or am I more likely to have a dodgy temp sensor?

Any help much appreciated guys.

Cheers!

Joel ·

SOunds like the thermostat is jammed open.

Does it take a while to get upto temperature?

watercooled cars generally take 5 mins to get upto operating temp.

dingobaz ·

Hi there Joel,

Thankls for the reply. Yes, it takes quite a while to even get up to 70 / 75 degrees. Actually it probably went down to close to 65 degrees when I was driving at speed last night.

I'll replace the thermostat this weekend and see if this fixes it. I am assuming that if it was a temperture sensor playing up then the readings would probably be more erratic.

Thanks for your help.

68AutoBug ·

dingobaz wrote:Geetings all

I have a 2001 1.6 Golf and have recently had a major service performed - including timing belt change, all the filters, drive belt, spark plugs, water pump- ever since it has developed one brand new problem after another in quick succession - the latest being...

When the car is actually in motion the engine temp gauge reads approx 75 degrees - when I am stationary it moves back to a normal 90 degrees. As soon as I start moving again, back down it goes to 75 degrees or so.

Is this as simple as a busted thermostat? Or am I more likely to have a dodgy temp sensor?

Any help much appreciated guys.

Cheers!
Yes sounds like the thermostat isn't closing...

as with the air going thru the radiator...
the temperature drops...
with NO air going the it when stopped...
the temperature goes UP...

LEE

Joel ·

Most shops that do a decent job of timing belt replacement fit a new thermostat while everything's apart.

You may have got a dud one that is stuck open,
half your luck, usually they stick shut.

dingobaz ·

Thanks guys - replaced the thermostat myself and after some mucking around with a tiny leak (fixed with some loctite gasket maker - much thanx to Lee for his help on that aswell) all is good. Apart from I've just noticed a slight smell of petrol in the cabin tonight when the air conditioning is on - I suspect split breather pipe or similar under bonnet somewhere - will have a look at the weekend and start a new thread for help if I need it!

Thanks again chaps.