Are there any auto mechanics on this board?

[DrinkFlintWater]

I'll keep it short, I'm getting burnt on trying to get my sons GTI to stop overheating. Just dropped another 800 today and half way home, it overheated yet again. I can get more into it but if anyone works in this field, please let me know.

Thanks

(Google and youtube research have given me a 3 week headache)

 

[Iamnatty]

I am brother. I have seen the cooking fans not work on those Volkswagens a lot. I would get the whole assembly from the dealer cuz it’s comes all complete. If that is the problem. When it’s overheating pop the hood and see if the fans are running.

 

[DrinkFlintWater]

I am brother. I have seen the cooking fans not work on those Volkswagens a lot. I would get the whole assembly from the dealer cuz it’s comes all complete. If that is the problem. When it’s overheating pop the hood and see if the fans are running.

Here's the thing: I've replaced the waterpump, timing belt etc. Temp sensor and thermostat. Fans kick on only after driving awhile. Idles fine. Drives fine, however the auto trans is shot. That's next getting replaced, however once it starts slipping and acting up, then the car starts overheating. I'm no mechanic and have asked two guys both just said "coincidence". Also, head gasket checked, no issue there..

 

[legendary]

Is the trans cooler built in to the rad? Any trans, oil or fluid mixing in oil?

 

[Iamnatty]

Here's the thing: I've replaced the waterpump, timing belt etc. Temp sensor and thermostat. Fans kick on only after driving awhile. Idles fine. Drives fine, however the auto trans is shot. That's next getting replaced, however once it starts slipping and acting up, then the car starts overheating. I'm no mechanic and have asked two guys both just said "coincidence". Also, head gasket checked, no issue there..

I would say coincidence too lol

 

[rubisean]

Pull a vacuum on the cooling system with a lift station.
I feel you have an air pocket that is causing your issues

 

[Glocker]

Not a mechanic so I fix everything with a hammer and duct tape but the first things that come to mind is timing and then the trans overheating. Those coolers are intertwined I assume on the VW so the trans is dumping heat into the motor. Double check your timing its where it needs to be then park the car until you fix the trans you need to eliminate that variable I would not rack your brains on this anymore until that is fixed. I question whether or not the electronics are automatically retarding/advancing the timing while driving when it recognizes the trans is slipping in order to prevent self-destruction or over-correct for the loss of power from the trans doing this will certainly cause engine temps to increase under load coupled with the heat exchange from the auto cooler its bad mojo.

 

[chocolatemalt]

Pull a vacuum on the cooling system with a lift station.
I feel you have an air pocket that is causing your issues

Is this common? I'd always assumed the design of the coolant pipes allowed any bubbles a path to float up out of harm's way. I'm mainly a theory guy tho, so...

 

[LeoTC]

It's a GTI, not worth the nic and dime bullshit. Instead of shotgunning repairs and replacing a blown trans, just buy a new car.

Modern rides are rarely worth fixing.

 

[Brotato]

sounded like a crack in head or block but i think u said u checked that maybe a dry rot in a hose?

 

[DrinkFlintWater]

Thanks for all the input guys...I ended up taking it to a vw specialist (not a dealer) this morning. Tried multiple experiments over the weekend so I gave up. And @LeoTC I understand your point but the car is for a 17 yr old. If i can get it to make through his senior yr and all through college with out of pocket 4k in total, it's worth it to me.

 

[LeoTC]

Thanks for all the input guys...I ended up taking it to a vw specialist (not a dealer) this morning. Tried multiple experiments over the weekend so I gave up. And @LeoTC I understand your point but the car is for a 17 yr old. If i can get it to make through his senior yr and all through college with out of pocket 4k in total, it's worth it to me.

Just saying, man.

I could buy a GTI for 2K right now. Doesn't hurt to look round before making a money dump. Even for an A to B driver.

 

[Glocker]

Thanks for all the input guys...I ended up taking it to a vw specialist (not a dealer) this morning. Tried multiple experiments over the weekend so I gave up. And @LeoTC I understand your point but the car is for a 17 yr old. If i can get it to make through his senior yr and all through college with out of pocket 4k in total, it's worth it to me.

That is the impression i got from your original post. Those are tough decisions when the repairs are more than the value cutting that check is painful.