Vw Engine Temperature

[NISAR1]

I have a VW bora on a 2013 plate and recently have had an issue with the engine temp gauge. It has always shown the temp in the middle at 90 degrees Celsius but for some reason it went to 100 and now it just seems to stay at 80 degrees even on long motorway journeys. I did notice the mpg increases very quickly on the dashboard display. The pipes to the thermostat are hot so there is water flow I did also notice that the car was shaking when I was joining the motorway and that went away.

Any ideas folks? Thanks

[Graham-W]

Possibly your thermostat is stuck open. Is it taking ages to warm up too?

[tonyav]

As Graham says possibly an air lock also, maybe a water pump problem also.

[Graham-W]

If your thermostat is stuck open your fuel consumption will go very high. The engine won't reach it's optimum temp and it will be like running with the choke on all the time. That would also explain the juddering you felt when under load.

[Slapshot]

What the guys have said above, is it diesel or petrol?? First thing to check is that there's nothing blocking the radiator or the oil cooler if a diesel. Check your coolant levels jut incase it's low, at best it could be thermostat or a hose at works a head gasket, check your oil is still a black/dark colour and that theres no whitish stuff in it, ie emulsified oil/water

[NISAR1]

Getting warm is no problem and interior heater blows hot air. I travel 13 miles to work and it give me 56mpg which is fine. The car is a diesel and it is a 1.9 tdi 150 pd. coolent level is fine checked everyday and the oil is a dark colour on the dip stick. I will check the oil cap tommorow morning in case there is any whitefish stuff on it.

[Slapshot]

NISAR1, when did you last have the coolant system drained?? Always worthwhile once a year just lets any scum or muck out the system could be something like that causing the blockage

[bhg481]

It could be something as simple as the temperature sender being faulty.

I haven't had a car for over 20 years that's recommended the cooling system be drained ever, let alone annually.

[NISAR1]

Slapshot, The coolant was changed about couple of years ago now. The antifreeze I use you do not need to change it for 5 years it says this on the container. I have a thermostat and antifreeze which I purchased this week but I am in 2 minds to have it changed or not. Been to a few garages and they have all said just leave it as it is and if things get worse bring it in and we can have a look at it. At the moment no one can pin point the fault.

[TWR]

I notice there was no issue until you changed the Coolant Nisari ???? although there should not be any Issue with that, drop the Coolant that's in & replace with Coolant that you know about & try.

[BRIGHT SPARK]

If its a 2013 take it back...its still under warranty .

[NISAR1]

My mistake it is a 2003 plate. Thanks

[NISAR1]

Ok the temp has gone back to normal by itself which is great. The problem now every now and then I keep getting loss of power if I accelerate in 2nd gear it sound like a tractor and a bit of smoke but after a short while it will get back to normal. Been to a couple of garages one said your engine is about to go and the other said it looks like a sticking valve and cheap option is to have an oil change see if it cures it.

Any ideas folks