106 GTI Over heating

[HewManHeMan]

Hiya, I have a 106 GTI that's over heating in the warm weather, causing coolant to pour out from the rad.

What could cause this? I realise it could be any number of things, but some shots in the dark from people that know better could offer me some areas to focus on.

Im looking at replacing the rad.

[Old Merc]

As you say,lots of things.
Most common cause on these old Pugs is the cooling fan not cutting in when driving very slowly in traffic.
Next up if the radiator is the original it could be partially blocked so not cooling the engine sufficiently at speed.
With a new rad`,the fan working and its still the same you will then have to start thinking head gasket? its pressurizing the system and pumping the coolant out the rad`.Also,and this is very rare,I`ve known the water pump on these 16V TU engines to break blades.
Mind you if you do a head gasket the water pump and cambelt would be replaced as part of the job.Likewise if you have the timing and water pump apart you might as well wip the head off as well? Its a very simple engine to work on.

[HewManHeMan]

Nice one, thanks.

I didnt know about the water pump blades, and thinking about it I'm not even sure the fan comes on at all... I certainly can't hear it?

I'll get the rad changed and I've found a local garage that'll look at the head. Hopefully it's not too expensive!

[Old Merc]

I would make sure the cooling fan is working properly before the radiator is replaced.With the rad` out its a simple job to get to the fan motor.