QuestionI have a 2002 passat w/ the 1.8 turbo. I've had it serviced by the dealership as per the owners manual recommendations. The car runs normal at about 190 degrees (per the guage). Recently, it has been overheating to the point where I need to pull over because of the "STOP" showing up on the dashboard message. The coolant resembles beige oily mud. I've never had a coolant flush, and wonder if this will solve the problem. Or, does could this be a result of a more serious cooling problem. It has 65K in miles.
I've been able to extend my driving by keeping the vent on heat w/ the fan on high, but this really isn't great as it is now on average 90+ degrees out I can't use the A/C because the car overheats very quickly after driving for about 20 minutes.
Your help is greatly appreciated.
AnswerHi Buddy,
So sorry for the delay, was actually out on a medical emergency.
Listen, it sounds like you have a leaking head gasket. What usually happens is the oil and coolant mix, forming a 'muck' that shows up in your radiator.
A way to confirm this is two-fold:
1) Does white smoke occassionaly come out of your tail-pipe upon acceleration. If so, more reason to believe.
2) Is the oil on your dipstick a grey/bubbly/color? That means that the coolant is going into the oil pan as well.
Let me know what you find, and well take it from there.
Again, sorry for the delay, I hope it didn't inconvenience you much, as I like to get back to everyone much quicker than this past week!
Take Care,
Ron
