Second. This happened to me about 6 months ago, the thermostat seized and the antifreeze boiled very quickly(about 5 min). My guess is that you have a really gunky, or semi-stuck thermostat. They're cheap, start there.

 

Guys, he's got a 2.8 - it's NOT a simple job to swap the thermostat. On the 1.8T it's easy but the teardown for the 2.8 is a pain in the ***. If the teardown has to be done, then it has to be done, but it makes sense to try easier things first, before going to that much work.

 

Okay, I burped my car and it still stays at the 3/4 mark when driving. I called a shop today who speciializes in german vehicles. They said it would cost $280 to change thermostat. I called another shop and they said it was a pain to change and since I just bought the car and I have no idea whether the timing belt has been changed. I should do the timing belt too. He wants $750 to do the timing belt,water pump,tensioner,etc. He said he uses audi parts. Could it maybe be something to do with the water pump also. The guy who usually does my work said since the heater is working he did not think the water pump was bad. Do you think it would be okay to drive as long as it does not overheat. It is maintaining at 217 degrees. I really like the car but had no idea I was going to be working on it all the time. Please keep offering advice.

 

$750 is a pretty good price if it includes the thermostat. I dont have an job hour book/software laying around but thats the lowest quote I ever seen.

 

Seen local shops do the timing belt and Tstat, etc. for $500-$600. $750 is not a bad deal though considering the dealer will want at least $900.

 

QUESTION guys!
mine is opposite. I'm thinking more now that I need to replace the thermostat.
I have a 97 A4 2.8. The temp gage would go down even when I'm driving to almost )mark.. Cold engine? not overheating ofcourse because it's overcooling? thermostat pushing coolant continuously? btw. check engine reports P0116 Engine coolant temp. CKT range/perf. I thought this complains about bad Engine Coolant sensor. is this related to overcooling?
please advice.
thx

 

Well I finally got my temp under control. I took my a4 in for timing belt change, water pump, and thermostat. He even had to replace a fan switch. All that for $594. The temp stay at the halfway mark like it should. Hope it help anyone with the same problem.

 

all that for under 600 bucks? hot deal.