My new 1.9 is running hot? Help please

[ghost123uk]

You may just be looking for what killed the last engine

EXTREME caution required.

Totally agree, I would find out what is going on before using the van on the road any more.
If it goes pear shaped you are looking at a £1000+ spend

Do as recommended above and then let us know the findings.

[Cookie77]

I WAS RIGHT
The stat was seized removed stat and now both rad pipes hot just took on a long run and running great at nice low temps

Next step replacement stat to fit

[kevtherev]

try running without the thermostat see what happens to the gauge, it should hardly get to half way if it's bled right and non fitted

No I was right...

[Cookie77]

Yes sorry got carried away with success

You was right

[kevtherev]

no your wrong it's ..you were right

[Cookie77]

Aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh

So I have fitted the new stat and back to square one???
The thermostat is starting to open when the temp gauge is on 3/4??????????
And steam from behind dash and gearstick area when on 3/4???????????? (only minor)

When the stat was out it circulated fine but gauge only just got off cold

Could I have a temp gauge fault????? And the engine temp is fine???? (the fuel gauge is all over the place and does not read right? Could be a coincidence?)

Also although my van is a 83 it has a later engine fitted (stat housing at rear)

Getting well hacked off now

[ghost123uk]

And steam from behind dash and gearstick area when on 3/4???????????? (only minor)

That is likely to be a leak in the heater matrix or the pipes to it. Quite a big job to get at to be honest.
As it is nearly summer, you could temporarily blank off the heater pipes at the engine end though.

Could I have a temp gauge fault????? And the engine temp is fine???? (the fuel gauge is all over the place and does not read right? Could be a coincidence?)

NOT coincidence. Both gauges are fed via the (delicate) ribbon style PCB with 10 volts from a little 3 legged voltage regulator. Your faulty gauges could well be due to poor connections, or a faulty 10 volt regulator.

My words on the regulator are in our wiki at = https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/VW ... uel_gauges" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Oldiebut goodie]

I used to notice steam from gearstick area when it was frosty - easy fix - it was the heater control valve that was leaking. It sits below the gearstick so naturally rises up into the gaiter.

[ghost123uk]

Aye, good point, and if it does turn out to be that you can breath a sigh of relief !

[Cookie77]

Will try these many thanks for all the help