MK3 GTi: Temp warning light

[dubgolf]

Has anybody got any experience of the temp warning light flashing even whne the temperature guauges indicate everything is ok??? It also comes on when you start the car cold...

[boschmann]

It flashes to indicate a low coolant level in the reserve tank. If the level isn't low then the sensor in the top of the tank may be bad.

[dubgolf]

Thanks Boschmann, however i think the water pump is gone... Do you know if the water pump on the 93 2.0 8 valve engine is attached to the timing chain, or is it located in front of it??

[boschmann]

If the water pump is leaking it will first manifest itself as a lower the coolant level & turn on the light (flashing). Once the engine warms the coolant expands enough to turn off the light. With a loss though it will eventually get low enough to be on all the time. Make sure it's not leaking from the flanges at the cylinder head (where the radiator hose & heater hoses hook in). They commonly crack & leak. The water pump is behind the timing belt & it would have to be removed along with the intermediate shaft sprocket and rear belt guard. I find it easier to go from that direction. I have heard others try to go around & remove the A/C & then remove the entire water pump housing, thermostat and pump together from the other side, but that seems alot more trouble just to avoid taking off the timing belt..