Hi, Welcome to the TTF.
Head gasket fail is very unusual on TT.
Check actual coolant temp by using Code 49 on climate control & let us know the result, click link follow instructions, but if stat is removed then yes probably is water pump if high temp is genuine

Hoggy

 

You shouldn't need to remove a thermostat! Is the air hot from the interior heaters?
What do you mean the water pump looks new?
The expansion tank always had a little psssttt when you open it from cold.

There are 6 types of head gasket failure! are you actually losing any coolant at all. Try flushing the coolant, maybe outs a persistent air lock?

 

Thank you for your responses. I will try the code 49 and let you know the result. The internal heater does get very hot, it's only the radiator that remains cold. When I had the stat out I could see the bright blue fins of the pump which does look new. Yes it is loosing water but not sure if that's because it's pushing it out the overflow or whether it's burning it

 

Thank you for your responses. I will try the code 49 and let you know the result. The internal heater does get very hot, it's only the radiator that remains cold. When I had the stat out I could see the bright blue fins of the pump which does look new. Yes it is loosing water but not sure if that's because it's pushing it out the overflow or whether it's burning it

When it is getting too hot if you put the heater on full hot and the heater keeps blowing hot air and doesn't turn into less hot air, then that shows that coolant is at least circulating through that part of the system.

 

That does tend to suggest the pump is working so I will take radiator out and check the flow. I am thinking the head gasket may have gone and is pushing super hot air into the cooling system as the car does heat up very quickly. Not sure why that would stop the water circulating through the radiator though.

 

Its maybe pressurised the system so much.

Before committing to doing the head gasket, get the coolant sniffed, maybe garages will do it for free, and if you are getting head gasket done, have a think about any other work to do at the same time -
I cleaned throttle body, fitted 3 inch DP, powerpowerdogf lex, dog bone mount, coolant flush. I wish i did valve stem seals.

 

Yes I will do that first. If they confirm it's the gasket I will do an engine and radiator flush. Good idea re the throttle body I will do the valve seals as well whilst it's off. Should I also swap the plastic fin water pump for a metal one whilst the engine is apart?

 

STOP....

lets go with Logical & EASY/CHEAP 1st....
Replacing a head gasket based on a hunch is a very expensive way to go.

Get a sniffer test done on the coolant.

 

Broken plastic water pump impeller ??????

 

Hi, I have checked the water levels before and after running it and every time I check it after a run it has lost water. I have taken the stat out for now so that can't be an issue. Not sure about the timing being out, would this not make the car rum lumpy/slow as it pulls like a train? I doubt the impellers are broken as it supposed to be a new pump and looked ok when viewing it through the stat hole. I will check the radiator flow first in case that's a problem. I will be doing the head gasket myself so the cost will not be high.

 

Hi, I have checked the water levels before and after running it and every time I check it after a run it has lost water. I have taken the stat out for now so that can't be an issue. Not sure about the timing being out, would this not make the car rum lumpy/slow as it pulls like a train? I doubt the impellers are broken as it supposed to be a new pump and looked ok when viewing it through the stat hole. I will check the radiator flow first in case that's a problem. I will be doing the head gasket myself so the cost will not be high.

Hi, It's possible the pump impellor is intact but it is spinning on the spindle. This was a problem on the original "plastic" pump but the later pump shouldn't have the same problem, but you never know.
Hoggy.

 

Ok based upon all the above good advice I think I have a plan
1. Check the gauge is accurate as per the 49 trick. If ok :
2. Pull the radiator and check it's not blocked. If ok:
3. Take off the timing belt cover and check it's correctly aligned. If so:
4. Take out the water pump and check it's working. If ok change it for a metal one anyway and :
5. Remove the head and replace the gasket having changed the valve seals and cleaning the throttle body.

Have I missed anything ?

 

Also get the head gasket sniffer test done

 

Also get the head gasket sniffer test done

Hi, Get the sniffer done first
then No1, & No 4 perhaps, with stat elbow removed you should be able to tell if impellor is spinning on the spindle.
Unlikely to be a blocked Rad
Won't be the timing so forget that. :?
Hoggy.

 

Brill, sounds like a good plan. I will keep you updated.

 

Thank you. Yes will do sniffer test. first, that will either eliminate the HG or confirm it.

 

If the sniffer test highlights head gasket, be aware as hoggy highlighted HG failures are rare but heads can crack.

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