i have a mk3 1.3 which has decided to run hot, averaging 100-110 depending on traffic.

it started after i replaced the thermostat housing, i have since gone on to replace everything from the pump to the rad, even the temp senders.

i have since removed the thermostat and it has helped on a run with it coming down to 95 but it still wont keep a reasonable level temp like my last 1.3.

I'm thinking it could be an air lock but have bled the system about 4 times even squeezing the pipes b4 shutting the bleed screw shut to expel as much air as poss.

if anyone could suggest anything else i will be truly grateful or even tell me what there temp is at so i have something to aim for.

i know most v dubs run at half (90 deg) all day, is this the right temp for a 1.3.

cheers nick.

have you changed the temp section of the dial? could be that. take the dials out and open them up and pop a new temp section in and try that.

dan

and you put a new thermostat in right?

whats your coolant quality like,its suprising the difference a full flush and new G12+ MIX makes.Mine had so much rust in the system it took 2hours of flushing to get it out, it doesnt overheat like it used to now and that was all i did on it!!

Is your fan cutting in when it should??

whats your coolant quality like,its suprising the difference a full flush and new G12+ MIX makes.

I doubted how much difference a flush would make. My mk2 used to run at about 100.

After a full flush and a more than generous serving of cooling it used to run at about 90.

very much recommend this.

Supercharged Spaniel wrote up a very useful 'HOW TO' which guided me through it

There isn't any chance you could have knocked the ignition timing out is there?

Edited 17 July, 200719 yr by Daniel R

and you put a new thermostat in right?

tried a new thermostat but it was the same so i binned it off altogether, will see how the guage is as i have changed the clocks last night for a set with a rev counter so we will see today.

thanks for the help.

whats your coolant quality like,its suprising the difference a full flush and new G12+ MIX makes.Mine had so much rust in the system it took 2hours of flushing to get it out, it doesnt overheat like it used to now and that was all i did on it!!

Is your fan cutting in when it should??

the coolant is new and i flushed the block till it ran clear. i didnt have a prob till i changed the bloody thermostat housing, should have let it leak!

the fan doesnt cut in till about 112 deg!! have put 2 new switches on and they all do the same, I've even tried a new rad but still to no avail.

whats your coolant quality like,its suprising the difference a full flush and new G12+ MIX makes.

I doubted how much difference a flush would make. My mk2 used to run at about 100.

After a full flush and a more than generous serving of cooling it used to run at about 90.

very much recommend this.

Supercharged Spaniel wrote up a very useful 'HOW TO' which guided me through it

will have a look.

There isn't any chance you could have knocked the ignition timing out is there?

no, i marked the casting when i removed it and it hasnt moved. its still as it was pre problem.

I had this problem with mine and as a quick fix I did this (in the end I Couldn't be arsed to repair it so I didn't) but if you disconnet the loom from the fan, then get 2 long wires and run them through your car and into the dash. Put a switch on the end and when the car starts to get warm just flick the switch and it will be a manual way of getting the fan on and cooling.

At least that way your not completely boiling the piss out of your engine. Cable and switch will cost you a few pence each. I had cable lying around and the swtich was about £1.25 from Maplins. Took all of 10mins to fix aswell.

There isn't any chance you could have knocked the ignition timing out is there?

no, i marked the casting when i removed it and it hasnt moved. its still as it was pre problem.

Ok. I wouldn't be too sure. My local garage did this with mine once, and despite lining the marks up, the ignition was a mile out. Had to have the timing re-set using a timing light (the marks on the housing are still a few mill' out). However, if it's not pinking under load then maybe this isn't an issue.

the fan doesnt cut in till about 112 deg!! have put 2 new switches on and they all do the same, I've even tried a new rad but still to no avail.

I find it odd for 2 new fan switches to behave like this, so maybe the gauge is telling porky pies. Have you changed the black temp sender?