So the problem I have right now on my 2001 1.8t is a coolant leak at the flange that holds the CTS. I ordered a new part which should be here in a few days but here is where it gets weird:

The needle on the dash never goes past the middle point. So I did the 49c trick to read the actual temps....

When I start my car in the morning I can drive 40 minutes to work and the temp gets up to 96 C at the max while sitting in traffic.

But if I have to stop somewhere like a gas station, and turn my car off, and then turn it back on it immediately says on the 49c trick that its 121 C, and stays at 121 C until I get to where I need to be and shut the car off.

I get out of the car and checked the hoses....the one attached to the flange going into the radiator is very HOT....the hose on the bottom of the radiator is cold......

SO......I dont want to replace the flange only for it to melt again....and I dont think its the water pump or thermostat since I can drive 40 minutes to work and it doesnt over heat.

Sorry if that was hard to follow....does any one have any advise?

 

An update:

The needle does go past the middle but only after I turn off the car. Cooling fans not coming on either after I turn off the car. They used to when I first got the car only a couple months ago.

The top hose is still hot though and bottom rad hose still not. I hope its not the water pump. Just replaced the tstat so I know its not that.

 

another update: (maybe if I keep posting more info someone will be able to help)

I replaced:

Leaking Coolant Flange
Thermostat
CTS
Rad Fan Switch

Also did a coolant flush.

Still have the same problem. Drove to work...didnt overheat but hose on top is hot and hose on bottom is just barely warm.

The temp needle went past middle to the next line after I turned the car off and fans never came on.

At least its not leaking coolant anymore.