Cooling system problem HELP??

**Brandt308** · 29-03-2015, 11:38 AM

hey everyone

so i have a 1998 Mk4 golf 1.6 GL, my first golf!

and as of last week its been over heating for some apparent reason?

yesterday i pulled the radiator out and all the hoses and cleaned them out, some grey mud like stuff fell out but didnt seem like it was enough to stop the flow and the coolant mix didnt have much oil in it to indicate it was the HG. so i put it all back together, i noticed the thermostat was extremely stiff and definitely needed to be replaced so i did that aswell but my engine is still over heating in no more than about 10 minutes...

Any ideas???

**Feeine** · 29-03-2015, 11:58 AM

Had the same thing with my old 1.6 blamed everything but it ended up being the waterpump impeller. when was the timing belt done? i'd put $10 on it's that. easiest way i checked mine was pull thermostat out and stick your finger in the hole (lol) and see if you can spin the impeller. if you can then it's come apart from the actual pump and isn't moving any water.

Pic for reference: Mine when it came out. :l

**Brandt308** · 29-03-2015, 01:49 PM

I don't know when the belts were last done but I have a feeling you're right with the water pump being the issue so I'll check it out, thanks heaps mate!

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**blis** · 29-03-2015, 02:08 PM

yep... I used a repco one and it blew a bearing in no time. The second has been ok.

If your heater isnt blowing hot, or lower pipes cooler then its likely not circulating as well.

**Snail Style** · 29-03-2015, 05:45 PM

Pull thermostat out and stick your fingers in the hole

. Can feel the water pump impellor that way.

**Brandt308** · 31-03-2015, 10:49 AM

cheers to everyone that suggested the water-pump! i pulled it apart and the impeller had slipped off and was very weak and as soon as i grabbed it, it would just crumble in my hand. plugged in the new much stronger pump and will hopefully last me quite some time

**Feeine** · 01-04-2015, 07:26 PM

Originally Posted by Brandt308

cheers to everyone that suggested the water-pump! i pulled it apart and the impeller had slipped off and was very weak and as soon as i grabbed it, it would just crumble in my hand. plugged in the new much stronger pump and will hopefully last me quite some time

Helps when you've been through the exact same thing! Glad you got it sorted mate.