1.8 8V Convertible overheating.

[sportline]

Hi

My MK1 Golf 1.8 GTi over heated with the top radiator hose being hot and the bottom one cold, I ran it with no thermostat and both hoses were warm. Put in a new thermostat but the top hose was hot and the bottom one again cold. I took the thermostat out and took the car for a run about 2 miles and when I stopped the car the top hose was solid and I had to open the cap to let the pressure out.

Is this a head gasket or a water pump problem?

Thanks.

[Crasher]

Change the water pump first.

[mr brightside]

sounds like the headgasket to me, the reason one hose stays cool is because combustion gasses leak into the water jacket and stop the water flow. i've had the same problem myself.

[euroslap]

I'd definately change the water pump before attempting a head gasket change. It's about £15 for the water pump impellor and fairly simple to change. Your symptoms sound like your water isn't circulating. ;)

[Crasher]

That was in April and he hasn’t even visited the forum since the 29/04/08.

[euroslap]

I realised after I'd posted, appologies I was half awake and typing away.:Blush2:

[Crasher]

Feeble excuse :biglaugh: