I managed to get the thermostat changed today on my wifes mk4 golf 1.6se 8v
1999, barrel of laughs it was

The temperature needle now sits bang on 90, heats up quicker, heating is
hotter and on a short run the computer is tell me encouraging MPG readings.

There were no leaks, I let it cool down and topped up a bit. I'd estimate
about 4 and a half litres of coolant went back in so I got away with just
buying 2 bottles of g12... phew

One thing I noticed is the lower radiator pipe was not hot at all compared
to all the other coolant pipes ? (not sure it gets or or not) but wondered
if something was wrong with the thermostat change or something causing it
not to heat up ?

....glad its over and I hope the lower rad pipe query is not serious ? ...
everything seems to be working great, a lot better than before. And very
nice to see the temp guage sit at 90 and not fly up and down between 70/90
randomly.

thanks

On Sun, 31 Jan 2010 20:04:43 -0000, Stephen wrote:

I managed to get the thermostat changed today on my wifes mk4 golf 1.6se
8v
1999, barrel of laughs it was

The temperature needle now sits bang on 90, heats up quicker, heating is
hotter and on a short run the computer is tell me encouraging MPG
readings.

There were no leaks, I let it cool down and topped up a bit. I'd estimate
about 4 and a half litres of coolant went back in so I got away with just
buying 2 bottles of g12... phew

One thing I noticed is the lower radiator pipe was not hot at all
compared
to all the other coolant pipes ? (not sure it gets or or not) but
wondered
if something was wrong with the thermostat change or something causing it
not to heat up ?


That sounds right, if the thermostat's working it won't get hot.

...glad its over and I hope the lower rad pipe query is not serious ? ...
everything seems to be working great, a lot better than before. And very
nice to see the temp guage sit at 90 and not fly up and down between
70/90
randomly.

thanks

"Duncan Wood" wrote in message
newsp.u7e822k2haghkf@lucy...
On Sun, 31 Jan 2010 20:04:43 -0000, Stephen wrote:

I managed to get the thermostat changed today on my wifes mk4 golf 1.6se
8v
1999, barrel of laughs it was

The temperature needle now sits bang on 90, heats up quicker, heating is
hotter and on a short run the computer is tell me encouraging MPG
readings.

There were no leaks, I let it cool down and topped up a bit. I'd estimate
about 4 and a half litres of coolant went back in so I got away with just
buying 2 bottles of g12... phew

One thing I noticed is the lower radiator pipe was not hot at all
compared
to all the other coolant pipes ? (not sure it gets or or not) but
wondered
if something was wrong with the thermostat change or something causing it
not to heat up ?


That sounds right, if the thermostat's working it won't get hot.


Ahh got it. Was a little unsure. I also had the heating on full lol so I
guess the rad wouldn't have come in the equation.

I've now discovered a small leak in the rad on the bottom drivers side!
charming I would've done it had I known when I did the coolant drain for the
stat. Hmm would a genuine rad be the way to go or a GSF jobbie ?

According to the haynes its a front bumper off, and then slam panel before
you can get the rad, looks like the fan can be left on after disconnecting
power cables then lift out and replace.


Thanks

On Mon, 01 Feb 2010 12:34:47 -0000, Stephen wrote:


"Duncan Wood" wrote in message
newsp.u7e822k2haghkf@lucy...
On Sun, 31 Jan 2010 20:04:43 -0000, Stephen wrote:

I managed to get the thermostat changed today on my wifes mk4 golf
1.6se
8v
1999, barrel of laughs it was

The temperature needle now sits bang on 90, heats up quicker, heating
is
hotter and on a short run the computer is tell me encouraging MPG
readings.

There were no leaks, I let it cool down and topped up a bit. I'd
estimate
about 4 and a half litres of coolant went back in so I got away with
just
buying 2 bottles of g12... phew

One thing I noticed is the lower radiator pipe was not hot at all
compared
to all the other coolant pipes ? (not sure it gets or or not) but
wondered
if something was wrong with the thermostat change or something causing
it
not to heat up ?


That sounds right, if the thermostat's working it won't get hot.


Ahh got it. Was a little unsure. I also had the heating on full lol so I
guess the rad wouldn't have come in the equation.

I've now discovered a small leak in the rad on the bottom drivers side!
charming I would've done it had I known when I did the coolant drain for
the
stat. Hmm would a genuine rad be the way to go or a GSF jobbie ?


Local radiator shop /Serck Marston should be as cheap as GSF & a lot
easier to whinge at/aquire one without transit damage. SOme pattern
radiators are worse than others/OEM.

According to the haynes its a front bumper off, and then slam panel
before
you can get the rad, looks like the fan can be left on after
disconnecting
power cables then lift out and replace.


About right.


Thanks