VW jetta question

[beet1e]

Originally posted by FaliFan
Euro cars are normally designed for temperate climates, not deserts. It may simply be that the cooling system is underdimensioned for your climate.

Read GS's post again. Of his brother, he said

On his way out here he was doin 90 mph, his oil was 230-236 water: 200, and the outside temp was 99-103.

Such temperatures are not unusual in parts of Europe, eg. Spain and southern France. I have driven my VWs in both those countries at the hottest time of the year, and the coolant temperature never rose above 90°C = 194°F. VW thermostats are set to 90°, and in my experience the running temperature never varies, not even by as much as the thickness of the needle.

GS - there is a known fault with certain VW cooling fans. I had to have mine replaced under warranty. If there's still a problem, I'll supply further details.

[Ripsnort]

Originally posted by SOB
I wish!  Damn 3-series.

Its a "straight" 6, not a "Vee-6".....

[RightF00T]

You said he changed the thermostat?  Did he get a 180degree thermostat or something higher? That would do it.

[Gunslinger]

Originally posted by RightF00T
You said he changed the thermostat?  Did he get a 180degree thermostat or something higher? That would do it.

He got a 200 degree thermostat.  It's all they had.  Would a lower thermostat do the trick?

[beet1e]

200 is 93°C - not too much above the VW standard 90°.

A radiator flush out??? What does he put in the radiator - VW approved coolant, or boring old tap (faucet) water? If the latter, and if he lives in a hard water area, the radiator will become knackered after a few years. I don't suppose he uses antifreeze - lol - and ordinary water has a lower boiling point than custom made coolant. It probably doesn't do as good a job in dissipating the heat either.

I had this problem on a car years ago - part of the radiator blocked by hard water deposits. Here's how to check for this: Immediately after driving a few miles, open the bon... er, hood, and feel the radiator, taking care not to burn your hand. Check across its full width. If any part of the radiator feels cold, it's blocked. Best solution - new radiator. Not worth buggering about with flushing/chemical treatments if it's that bad.

[RightF00T]

Although it may not be much...you would think changing to a different thermostat would have some ramifications.  One example being higher rpms...

[Staga]

Some engines are sensitive to the running temperature and if factory thermostat opens at 200F then you (or your bro) should stick with it.
IIRC VW VR6's cyl-head is quite a piece of art and usually engineers know what they are doing (like running engine at +200F).

Oilcooler could be good idea thought I'm quite sure VW did test their car in hot climates too.