Cooling system

[Doug]

Maybe someone can pass on some information. Is a 192 F thermostat the correct one for a 1.6 TD ?? The car temp seems to rise into the hot zone on the temperature guage in the cluster. All connections to sensors were cleaned. Pump is returning coolant to the reservoir. Did notice a small plastic restrictor in the return line. Is that normal?? Recent attempts to get the system filled and bled have not yielded the results of normal temperature. The old NA 1.6 when idling would actually cool down a bit. This one just gets hotter until the rad fan is cycling. That does not seem normal. I am just about ready to pull the rad to check for blockage. But the clincher is when the engine is idling the temperature should not climb. Am I wrong in my analysis? It seems to pressurize okay as well as all fluids are staying where they are supposed to be. It starts easy and sounds fine when running. Have not checked timing. I wonder if it is retarded too much?

Help!!

[Powjetta]

I have a 180 degree thermostat and I added a real guage to check whats happening. The car does heat up at idle when it's warm out but usually I have the AC on and that runs the fan and keeps it cool.  I have heard from others that some of these will warm up at idle.  I have flushed and replaced everything but the water pump on mine.  If it is cool outside (below 65deg) mine normally won't heat up at idle.  Thats my input.

[Fisher]

I'm also wondering which Thermostat came stock in the 1984 TD.  Anybody know for sure what VW installed new?

[jtanguay]

They probably installed the 87C thermostat.  Best thermostat you can buy .  Remember, hotter = efficiency & cooler = performance.

[Doug]

Thanks for your thoughts. I was talking to a neigbour who thinks that maybe the water punp impeller is damaged or slipping on it's shaft. He says it does happen. I will pull the thermostat housing to check that today. My local Car Quest says the thermostat is supposed to be a 180 F. That particluar one looks different from the 192 F that was put in the engine several weeks ago. Different manufacturers I am guessing. Besides that, body work is progressing nicely and maybe we will get a couple of days of clear weather so that the paint can be put on.

[91 ECO]

Don't trust the thermostats from Carquest/Advance.  I have purchased a couple and within six months they are sticking.  I thought it was a fluke until the 2nd one went out.  Finally went to VW and replaced with a OEM unit.  You might also flow test your radiator (the radiator clogged on mine and the water pump is still going).