Odd cooling problem

[SPIRU]

Ok, I'm having a slightly different cooling problem then some of the other related threads, so hence the new thread . Yesterday while driving to work my temp gauge started flashing red, then when I got into the driveway my speed decreased below 20 MPH and the red light went off, I checked under the hood as soon as I got parked and noticed antifreeze coming somewhere near the right side below the coolant reservoir. Did it again today, (tho no leaking anywhere) and as soon as I slowed my speeds down the red light went off again. All the hoses look fine and I have heat, so anyone have any ideas?

[Billsbug]

Sounds like what I just went thru: water pump.

[rcy]

Water pump, and unless you want to spend a whole lot more cash, don't drive the car with the red light flashing. This is telling you that it's overheating. Continue to drive and you'll need a lot more than a water pump - head gasket, warped head, overheated tranny etc etc.

While you or your mechanic are in there, I'd recommend doing the timing belt, thermostat and serpentine belt. The two belts have to come off anyway, and since the expensive G12 is out of the car, you might as well do the thermostat too.

Also, look for an aftermarket pump with a metal impeller. The OE pump has a plastic impeller and they tend to fail at an alarming rate.

[Bugmonkey]

Originally Posted by rcy

Water pump, and unless you want to spend a whole lot more cash, don't drive the car with the red light flashing. This is telling you that it's overheating. Continue to drive and you'll need a lot more than a water pump - head gasket, warped head, overheated tranny etc etc.

While you or your mechanic are in there, I'd recommend doing the timing belt, thermostat and serpentine belt. The two belts have to come off anyway, and since the expensive G12 is out of the car, you might as well do the thermostat too.

Also, look for an aftermarket pump with a metal impeller. The OE pump has a plastic impeller and they tend to fail at an alarming rate.

Yeah..What he said.
Park it 'til you can fix it. Otherwise it can go from bad to worse real quick.

[SPIRU]

Thanks guys, now didn't one of the VW venders have a kit for around $200 that came with a metal impeller?

[Billsbug]

Originally Posted by rcy

Also, look for an aftermarket pump with a metal impeller. The OE pump has a plastic impeller and they tend to fail at an alarming rate.

DOH! Where were you last week when I needed you (just had new pump installed under warranty)?!

[rcy]

Originally Posted by Billsbug

DOH! Where were you last week when I needed you (just had new pump installed under warranty)?!

Sorry...but if it was under warranty (dealer??), they wouldn't have put a metal one in anyway. I've heard from my VW parts guy that the water pump has been slightly redesigned (if it's like the brake switch redesign I wouldn't get my hopes too high). Apparently some spring that had been outside the pump body (between the pump and impeller) has been moved to inside the pump body. Whether this will help with the plastic impeller breaking is debatable.

[Billsbug]

Yeah, one of the dealer mechanics told me that the impeller sometimes moves to a forward (I think) position and then gets stuck against the housing, so it can't turn, thus causing the overheating issues, maybe exactly what u r talking about..

[Metal Man]

I have the water pumps with the metal impeller.
http://www.metalmanparts.com/display...&categoryId=36
I also have a timing belt kit with the same pump.
http://www.metalmanparts.com/display...&categoryId=36

[SPIRU]

Originally Posted by Metal Man

I have the water pumps with the metal impeller.
http://www.metalmanparts.com/display...&categoryId=36
I also have a timing belt kit with the same pump.
http://www.metalmanparts.com/display...&categoryId=36

Do you take any other form of payment? I was ready to order the kit but didn't see any options other then paypal.
Edit: Sorry Metal Man, your price was best but I need these parts ASAP. I ordered the ECS Ultimate Timing Belt Kit ES#2238. Now anyone done the job themselfs? I'm thinking of doing just that but would like some input from you guys.

[Kevmo]

Hello all,
My only question regards the fact that Spiru stated that he still has heat. This seems puzzling in light of the fact that the water pump has to be functional in order for you to get hot water to circulate throughthe heater core. It seems possible that this could be a problem with the cooling fans not running.
My 99 has recently manifested similar symptoms on a couple of occasions, but only when the car is at idle and sitting still. I can drive at highway speed all day with out any overheating problem, and I know that my fans are not running, but my heater works just fine and helps cool the engine down if the over-temp light comes on. I think you should investigate the cooling fans before the expense of a new water pump Spiru.

Good Luck,

kevmo

[SPIRU]

Originally Posted by Kevmo

Hello all,
My only question regards the fact that Spiru stated that he still has heat. This seems puzzling in light of the fact that the water pump has to be functional in order for you to get hot water to circulate throughthe heater core. It seems possible that this could be a problem with the cooling fans not running.
My 99 has recently manifested similar symptoms on a couple of occasions, but only when the car is at idle and sitting still. I can drive at highway speed all day with out any overheating problem, and I know that my fans are not running, but my heater works just fine and helps cool the engine down if the over-temp light comes on. I think you should investigate the cooling fans before the expense of a new water pump Spiru.

Good Luck,

kevmo

Thanks for the input, but the fans work. Just hope the kit does the trick but time will tell..

[Billsbug]

Originally Posted by Metal Man

I have the water pumps with the metal impeller.
http://www.metalmanparts.com/display...&categoryId=36
I also have a timing belt kit with the same pump.
http://www.metalmanparts.com/display...&categoryId=36

Wow, what a great price! Future mod fer sure dood...

[rcy]

It's a bit late now, since you've bought the parts, but if you take the thermostat out, you can reach your fingers in and to the left of the opening and feel your waterpump. If the impeller has broken or is freewheeling, you'll know it.

[Metal Man]

Do you take any other form of payment? I was ready to order the kit but didn't see any options other then paypal.

Sorry , at this time just paypal or a money order if you're not in a hurry.