What causes overheating at 70 after driving for 45 minutes.

What is your question?

100K Had an engine light and the oil looked bad. The oil pan was dropped and cleaned. Mechanic said it did not look that bad. If it runs good and oil looks good in 5k we'll do timing belt and water pump. After 4 months and 2K miles car was running fine and oil looked good. So he replaced water pump and timing belt at 102K. Within 1 week it overheated. It was while air conditioning running in stop and go traffic. In a 2- 3 mile area. In 3 visits to the mechanic who did this work as a possible solution: 1) Flushed radiator ; replaced the cluth fan 2) replaced the other fan 3) replaced thermastat. I no longer turn on the air but if the car is run on the interstate at high speed for any real length of time (30-45 minutes) it will start over heating. I turn the heater on and it sucks out the heat long enough to get home. I live and work and do 90% of my travel in a 10 mile radius. The car sounds and drives great all the other time. I have only 105K on this 2001.But some times you have to drive 70 for about 45 minutes. Do I give up and trade it in. I only put 4-5K miles a year at tops. Take it to the dealer since this tech has not figured it out.

vw2001 in Baltimore MD

·

Mar 7, 2012

·

3 Replies

Popular Answer
PARTS GUYon Mar 8, 2012

Sounds like you have a blown headgasket. You need to find a shop or tech that can check the cooling system.

Reply
vw2001on Mar 15, 2012

Thanks. Those that have looked at it say it's too clean to be a head gasket. The fluids in the system are good not mixed. I think I made a big mistake after I spent the $800 for the sludge fix. I should have just driven it till it dropped. That 1.8T is not a good engine. Thanks for you suggestion.

PARTS GUYon Mar 15, 2012

I really don't know who you are taking your car to have it checked out. BUT find another shop. It's clear they don't know what they are doing! Just looking at an engine and saying it's to clean is idiotic. You need to have the cooling system checked for hydrocarbons in the cooling system. Not just somebody looking at it.

Reply in Thread
user91328on Mar 7, 2012

sounds to me like your radiator is clogged. have it checked at a radiator shop to verify. Roy

Reply
vw2001on Mar 15, 2012

I understand radiators are not boiled out any more but replaced. This 1.8T has cost me so much lately. I guess I have to just let it die. Sad part is they usually give you more on a trade in at a VW dealer for the customer loyalty. But I don't know if I can trust a VW any more.

Reply in Thread
blankmanon Apr 10, 2012

sounds like "ME"...MECHANIC ERROR..they have messed up something and wont tell you!!!

Reply

Join the conversation!

Sign in or create an account to respond

Reply

Similar Questions

See more 2001 Volkswagen Passat Questions

What are the best Volkswagen repair shops?

RepairPal Certified shops can diagnose and repair your 2001 Volkswagen Passat. They provide transparent pricing with a minimum 12-month or 12,000-mile warranty on repairs and services.
29 Certified Locations
Shop Image

Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center - Grandview

4.7
(85)
2.39 mi
1524 W 5th Ave
Columbus, OH
Closed
Opens 8:00 AM Mon
Call
Shop Image

Excite Auto Repair & Towing

4.4
(15)
5.94 mi
3430 Westerville Road
Columbus, OH
Closed
Opens 9:00 AM Mon
Call
Shop Image

All In Auto Service

4.9
(26)
6.56 mi
5200 Fisher Road
Columbus, OH
Closed
Opens 8:00 AM Mon
Call
Shop Image

Tuffy Tire & Auto Service - Grove City

4.4
(522)
6.67 mi
2131 Stringtown Rd
Grove City, OH
Closed
Opens 7:30 AM Mon
Call
Shop Image

Blackstone Complete Auto Care

4.2
(37)
6.77 mi
4800 Sinclair Road
Columbus, OH
Closed
Opens 9:00 AM Mon
Call
Shop Image

Boyd's Tire & Service - Columbus

4.7
(184)
7.23 mi
5263 Godown Rd
Columbus, OH
Closed
Opens 8:00 AM Mon
Call
See All 29 Locations
29 Certified Locations
Shop Image

Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center - Grandview

4.7
(85)
2.39 mi
1524 W 5th Ave
Columbus, OH
Closed
Opens 8:00 AM Mon
Call
Shop Image

Excite Auto Repair & Towing

4.4
(15)
5.94 mi
3430 Westerville Road
Columbus, OH
Closed
Opens 9:00 AM Mon
Call
Shop Image

All In Auto Service

4.9
(26)
6.56 mi
5200 Fisher Road
Columbus, OH
Closed
Opens 8:00 AM Mon
Call
See All 29 Locations