Audi Repair: Audi 80 Coolent Hoses, head gasket leak, coolant temp

Question
Hi - I have a 1993/4 Audi 80 and I've just had to replace two hoses, one off which looked like it had blown out because of excessive pressure. As soon as I replaced them a third hose blew (near the oil cooler) and the oil/water brown goo was leaking out. It could be that this third hose was also faulty but I suspect that there may be excessive pressure in the coolant system. i read somewhere else on these pages that this could be caused by a leaking head gasket but I'm hoping there may be less terminal causes? Faulty oil cooler perhaps? Or a blockage?
P.S. Temperature gauge not working.

Answer
Hi,  If the pressure in the coolant system is too high, then typically this is due to a head gasket leak, whcih pumps up the pressure.  If ignored the excessive heat could crack the head itself which will make the repair much more expensive.  You can get the gasket tested quite easily by pressurising the water system, and pulling the sparl plugs.  Water in the cylinder will confirm the diagnosis.  As to the temp gauge not working, replace the engine coolant temp sensor (ECT) Let me know what you find,  Jan