Discussion
...I have internet access! I've been watching from a far at work where I cannot log on :(
I have a question I'm hoping somebody can help with. I've owned the S3 since September and the temperature has always been a rock solid 90. But over the last month or so its started behaving oddly! I start up, set off and the temp guage will (occasionally) rocket to the red before the engine should even be warm! This seems to happen in slow traffic or at idle which is understandable, but a few seconds on the loud pedal and the temps back down to below 90? The needle moves far to quickly and I can't believe the temp can change this rapidly?? I don't even need to accelerate or drive at speed for long (seconds sometimes) before watching the needle swing! I don't think its the guage because the coolant starts bubbling away :yikes: when it claims it's overheating and seems fine when it's behaving itself. The fan is working and the fluid levels are all good. I'm a bit confused especially as it's just been serviced and has only just started suffering this problem. :scratchchin:
Any ideas?!!
Toby :)
I have a question I'm hoping somebody can help with. I've owned the S3 since September and the temperature has always been a rock solid 90. But over the last month or so its started behaving oddly! I start up, set off and the temp guage will (occasionally) rocket to the red before the engine should even be warm! This seems to happen in slow traffic or at idle which is understandable, but a few seconds on the loud pedal and the temps back down to below 90? The needle moves far to quickly and I can't believe the temp can change this rapidly?? I don't even need to accelerate or drive at speed for long (seconds sometimes) before watching the needle swing! I don't think its the guage because the coolant starts bubbling away :yikes: when it claims it's overheating and seems fine when it's behaving itself. The fan is working and the fluid levels are all good. I'm a bit confused especially as it's just been serviced and has only just started suffering this problem. :scratchchin:
Any ideas?!!
Toby :)
Maybe a long shot, but are the coolant caps the right way round ? The pressure cap should be on the metal funnel filler nearest the radiator and the non sprung cap on the plastic tank near the bulkhead. Mine were put on the wrong way round my a so called `expert` garage, and it took me ages to figure out why my coolant kept bubbling. After swapping them over, everything has been fine !
I`m no expert, but it maybe worth a try !
I`m no expert, but it maybe worth a try !
I've been wondering that because I have two pressure caps! Always have done for some reason??? Was like that for the previous owner and I've never changed it. People seem to think "if it works don't touch it" so I haven't!
I know this is a can of worms, but does anyone else have 2 pressure caps? Should I buy a normal cap and try changing things around?
I know this is a can of worms, but does anyone else have 2 pressure caps? Should I buy a normal cap and try changing things around?
TobyS3 said:
I've been wondering that because I have two pressure caps! Always have done for some reason??? Was like that for the previous owner and I've never changed it. People seem to think "if it works don't touch it" so I haven't!
I know this is a can of worms, but does anyone else have 2 pressure caps? Should I buy a normal cap and try changing things around?
Oh dear not that can of worms again
tiggyfudge said:
Maybe a long shot, but are the coolant caps the right way round ? The pressure cap should be on the metal funnel filler nearest the radiator and the non sprung cap on the plastic tank near the bulkhead. Mine were put on the wrong way round my a so called `expert` garage, and it took me ages to figure out why my coolant kept bubbling. After swapping them over, everything has been fine !
I`m no expert, but it maybe worth a try !
Actually there is not set way the caps should be on. You just put them on either way and see what works for you.
But you most certainly houldn't have 2 pressure caps.
Is the car actually overheating?
Chec the sender unit connection which should run across tbe driver's side on top of the engine, betwee n the plenum and the rocker cover. Also check the overflow from the swirl pot to the expansion tank. Can produce nasty results if it's blocked. Mine was blocked at the bottom of the expansion tank.
Cheers guys you've given me a few leads to follow 
I've got a few days off this week so will see what I can find. I might dare to start playing with the caps and will look for any blockage in the expansion tank. Although my first thought, i'm now unsure as to whether it could be wiring as the erratic behaviour seems to have some routine to it??!!! Still I'll see what I can find..!
Toby
I've got a few days off this week so will see what I can find. I might dare to start playing with the caps and will look for any blockage in the expansion tank. Although my first thought, i'm now unsure as to whether it could be wiring as the erratic behaviour seems to have some routine to it??!!! Still I'll see what I can find..!
Toby
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