2001 A6 2.7T
Ok this is a long story so I will give you guys an overview.

1. Car said it was over heating(hadnt changed timing belt or water pump100k)

2. Got the stuff and did the timing belt, water pump, thermostate, pullies.

3. Car still said it was over heating. Then the gauge quit working all together. Turned out to be the temp sensor.

4. Couldnt get my old temp sensor off so I just had to drive it for a week until I had time to take a better look at it.

5. About5 days later the upper radiator hose blows and I dont notice until the oil temps start to rise.

6. Put the hose back on and get it home. (figured I just didnt have the hose on well or something)

7. Hose blew the same day again but this time it was the lower.

8. Filled it back up and burped it for 5 hours.

9. Drove fine for about 5 days again then it blew the lower radiator hose again.

10. Filled and burped for 6 hours.

11. Lower radiator hose blew after 1 day.

So does this sound like a head gasket to you guys? There is no coolant in the oil and it runs fine with no smoke.

 

I would go with the simplest explanation. The hoses are not attached correctly. Make sure the retaining clip is in the up position before you snap the connector together and make sure the connection snaps together; it takes a little bit of force. Then make sure to put the retainer clip down.

Also, make sure you bleed the system of air, this depends on the year of your vehicle. On my '02 A6 3.0L there are 2 bleeder values, one is right under the front belt cover and the other is on the main heater core hose to the right of the battery.

 

Did you install the thermostat correctly?

 

I think I installed it correctly... I didnt see any specific markings on it so I didnt line it up with anything. Of course the long portion went into the block. I actually had to purchase a new assymble for it because the old one was falling apart.

 

Thermostat actually has a correct way of installing. Air bleed hole needs to point toward the top.

 

Would that cause it to blow hoses? It is opening up..