crackhead

My wifes 98 A6 2.8 (130,000mi) is overheating.. Just replaced the coolant expansion tank and cap and that did nothing.. They were cracked and needed to be replaced anyways.. I think the fan clutch is suspect.. Seems to spin the same whether the car is hot or cool.. But if I have to tear the front of the car off to replace the fan clutch, I might as well replace the t-stat while im there.. And if I'm there, I should prob hit the water pump as well..With an American water pump if it is bad, it leaks from a small hile in the bottom.. How can I tell if this one is bad or not?? Its only $70-80, so I figure better safe than sorry.. Im going to call the guy we bought it from tomorrow and ask him if it has ever been replaced just in case.. Thanks..

4Driver4

Need more info. Bad temp sender?

crackhead

Nope, it's overheating for real.. Boiling over.. Driving and sitting...

4Driver4

Car boils over when sitting in traffic and driving on the highway? Try to post some details: temp gauge reading and exactly what happens at various points. You're not really posting enough detail for anyone to help.

crackhead

OK, the car starts and drives just fine.. The temp gauge goes to half way just like it should.. Then after about 5 miles or so it starts to creep up.. It will go all the way to the right and boil over.. It does it even if you are standing still and not driving..
I am thinking it may be the fan clutch as it seems to be just as tight when the car is cold as it is when it is overheated.. But if I have to put the car in service position to change the fan clutch, I should prob do the water pump and thermostat as well while im there.. Im wondering if the water pump will leak fro the shaft like an American water pump?? If not, how do you know that they are bad??

4Driver4

I'd say thermostat. Think about doing a full timing belt service.

crackhead

So, I'm thinking water pump, thermostat, fan clutch, valve cover gaskets (both), tensioner gaskets (there is two right?).. Anything else??

4Driver4

Timing belt, roller, idler, etc. May as well. You're only talking a couple hundred bucks.

Boosted_4cyl

Mine takes longer for the temp gauge to go past normal when at idle and shorter while driving. It starts to overheat and boil over in the tank. I shut it down and crack open the air vent on the coolant tube under the front of the intake and nothing but steam comes out. Upper rad hose gets warm but not too hot and the intake itself stays cool. I dont think a cooling flush has ever been done on the car. Will audi antifreeze boil after 10 years of use? or would a thermostat be more likely. Im just hoping its not not the headgaskets. I always run 91+ octane

crackhead

I still havent found the thermostat yet, but Im sure its in there somewhere..