Hi all. I have another problem for you.

My 1998 A3 is fine when moving but when travelling slowing or sitting in traffic for more than 10 mins or so it starts getting hotter and hotter. I had the thermo/fuseschecked which were OK and the fans seem to be fine too. Just for good measureI had the cam belt change recently but the problem still persists. Any help would be very much appriecated.

 

Coolant level ok?

What sort of temperatures does it get to?

 

^^^ good point also consider changing the thermostat

 

bad pump?

 

well I have to agree here because many dont look at the actual problem which causes overheating ( bad pump/air lock/coolant fans ) which is the cause of head gasket failure due to overheating, head gaskets dont just fail its because of something else like the pumpthe failed head gasket is a result of this fail

 

he's certainly true...due to head gasket failures, causes came from either badpump or thermostat...perhaps you look for a mechanic help on this.. preventing untimely blown audi head gasket, proper maintenance should be done..during combustion process, the engine heat creates a thermal expansion in the engine and passes to the head gasket that is made of metal..without strength, which are likely to be blown out..

 

Try replacing the radiator cap. I had the exact problem with another vehicle of mine and after trying several other fixes (inculding rodding out the radiator), that did the trick. If the cap leaks, there will not be sufficient pressure to enable the coolant to circulate. Worth a shot for the $10 cost of a new cap, IMO.