1992 Golf GL Overheating

[winkleboy]

My 1992 Golf GL has been overheating.
I replaced the thermostat this past weekend, but it still overheats.

1) Is it likely that the NEW thermostat is faulty?
2) Is it more likely that it needs a new water-pump?
Is it true that the water-pump runs off the timing belt?
If so, is that more a professional job?

3) Are there any other possibilities/suggestions?

I'm just getting kinda desperate since this is my only ride
to/from work....

-Brett

[draigfaol]

I'd say, check your coolant.

[winkleboy]

Thanks for your response.
What could be up with my coolant?
What am i to check?

[draigfaol]

Auto shops usually sell this little tube like thing that checks for your coolant. I can't remember the name of it, but its a small tube that has several little colored balls inside of it. I know that its used to test your coolant to see if it is working, or if you'll need to change the coolant.

[FahQ]

Originally Posted by winkleboy

My 1992 Golf GL has been overheating.
I replaced the thermostat this past weekend, but it still overheats.

1) Is it likely that the NEW thermostat is faulty?
2) Is it more likely that it needs a new water-pump?
Is it true that the water-pump runs off the timing belt?
If so, is that more a professional job?

3) Are there any other possibilities/suggestions?

I'm just getting kinda desperate since this is my only ride
to/from work....

-Brett

The thermostat simply opens a valve when the engine needs coolant.
A "faulty" thermostat would normally stay open - allowing coolant to run through all the time.

Who are your coolant levels? - Is the resevoir constant (always requires top-up, always over-flowing - normal levels?

It could be that there is an air buble in the coolant system - the waterpump cannot push air.

the Waterpump and timing belt should be replaced by somebody that knows what they are doing

[winkleboy]

Turns out that my radiator fan wasnt engaging.. It works, but it isnt turning on automatically. I hot-wired it and put a switch inside the car to click it on and off as needed...
However, i would prefer that it works like it should.
Could it be the "Radiator Fan Relay"?
Is that likely?

[kmohr3]

could be a fan relay, also could be the cooling fan switch on the radiator.