Today I just bought an 1997 A4 2.8 non turbo. It only has 75k miles om it and thought I got a great deal. When driving it home I thought it was running hot because the water temp guage was at 3/4. I pulled over and the electric fan was working, water pump was not leaking and seemed fine.Even though it was 114 out in the AZ heat it just seemed hot.When I got home I turned on he heater and it cooled down to middle of guage at an idle. So I'm thinking I got taken and the water pump is going out. Anyone have any ideas of what else it could be and where can I find step by step of replacing water pump. Anyone try it before?

 

Water pump or thermostat is stuck.

 

Where is the thermostat located on the A4 2.8. I order a new one today but might just take it out for now and see it it fix it.

 

As is it normal on the audi for the cooling fan to turn off when you turn oof the car and it's hot? On my acura it runs till the car is cool enought.

 

yes because if you can't tell, the coolant still flows. the thermostat should be on the passengerside right next to the water pump

 

If you can see coolant flowing into the expansion tank, your water pump is good. Odds are you need a new T-stat. I'd go with a lower-than-stock temp rating if I lived in AZ

 

Agreed on all counts. What sucks about the 2.8 in this case is that it's an assload of work to change a cheap part. Prepare to remove the front of your car to get to it. It's not difficult at all - just takes time. Plan a full day of work and get ahold of a shop manual to help you along the way.