1997 A6 Cooling Problems

glhglh · 05-08-2012, 05:42 PM

(vin wauga84a7vn059907, what model is this?)

The cooling system on my daughter’s car is overheating. Fairly new water pump, new thermostat, system recently flushed. When the motor is running (idle or while driving), having the “defrost” button (turned on or off), seems to make a big difference in the engine cooling system. When defrost is on, idle is smooth, radiator fans running at idle, water pressure in system seems to be normal, temp gage normal, water hose from overflow reservoir and the hose leading from the engine to the radiator, seem to be the same temperature, pressure in the reservoir seems normal. At this point, simply turning the defrost button off, causes the water in the reservoir to fill up and increase pressure, water temperature rises, the temperature on the outside of the reservoir goes from 125 degrees to 160 degrees, the pressure release valve in cap blows, and the radiator fans quit running. By simply turning the defrost button on, the motor immediately starts to idle smoother, radiator fans start running, pressure in overflow reservoir is reduced, and engine temperature is reduced.

Before discovering the effect of the defrost button being on or off, while trying to define the problem, we noticed (after a short drive), the hose from the reservoir to the engine, was quite hot, while the hose from the engine to the radiator, was much cooler. We loosened the clamp on the water hose from the engine to the radiator, and kept idling. The reservoir got hot, and started leaking (hose from engine to radiator, still cool). While idling, we turned the defroster On, and immediately, the hose blew off, a lot of coolant blew out. We reattached, the hose, and from then on, both hoses seem to remain about the same temperature.
We started this problem solving process, because we were told by my daughter’s mechanic, that the heater coil needed to be replaced, and before starting that gigantic task, thought narrowing the problem down might help. Not sure if the “power” of the defrost button to regulate the coolant flow, confirms that the heater coil needs to be replaced, the radiator is plugged, or what. Any ideas?

sgroer · 05-08-2012, 06:27 PM

This forum is for 2012+ A6's. I think you have a c4 a6. There also may be an engine specific forum that will help you. Sorry we can't be of assistance. Good luck with it!

Metallic-Force · 05-08-2012, 06:29 PM

Wrong area buddy, this is for 2012 year A6 and up. Best of luck, I'm sure people still will help here, but your best bet is to re-post it here at the Audi A6/C4 section

sgroer · 05-08-2012, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Metallic-Force

Wrong area buddy, this is for 2012 year A6 and up. Best of luck, I'm sure people still will help here, but your best bet is to re-post it here at the Audi A6/C4 section

Imagine that... I didn't even know there was a C4 forum.

glhglh · 05-09-2012, 10:06 AM

Sorry for posting in the wrong forum. posted on my laptop, my eyes failed me. i reposted in the C4 forum. a few weeks ago, i received a lot of good advice on changing the air shocks on my Allroad.

Tried to delete the message, but don't seem to be able to.

maybe the moderator will delete the post for me.

Thanks again for responding.

05-08-2012, 06:27 PM	#2
sgroer AudiWorld Senior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Roswell, GA Posts: 681	This forum is for 2012+ A6's. I think you have a c4 a6. There also may be an engine specific forum that will help you. Sorry we can't be of assistance. Good luck with it! __________________ 2013 S4 P+ Glacier White \| 6MT \| Sport Diff \| B&O \| Matte Black Avante Garde M310's \| Stasis Challenge SL Ohlin's Coilovers Last edited by sgroer; 05-08-2012 at 07:03 PM.

05-08-2012, 06:29 PM	#3
Metallic-Force AudiWorld Member 2012 Audi Ahh S*x Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 309	Wrong area buddy, this is for 2012 year A6 and up. Best of luck, I'm sure people still will help here, but your best bet is to re-post it here at the Audi A6/C4 section __________________ [2012 Audi A6 Prestige \| Phantom Black Pearl \| Nougat Brown \| Innovation Package \| LED Headlight] ~Finished~ [Front Amber Delete \| 35% Tint \| LED Trunk Light + Storage] ~Wish List~ [Oval Exhaust Tips \| ECU Tune \| Front Spoiler Lip] ~Current Project/Fourms~ [My Vag Research - Status: Car in Shop - General Problems] ~Albums~ [RS5 - S8 - A6 Accident]

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Welcome to AudiWorld!
		Welcome to AudiWorld.com. You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, at no cost, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, join AudiWorld.com today!

05-09-2012, 10:06 AM	#5
glhglh Audiworld Junior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Mercer Island, WA Posts: 41	Sorry for posting in the wrong forum. posted on my laptop, my eyes failed me. i reposted in the C4 forum. a few weeks ago, i received a lot of good advice on changing the air shocks on my Allroad. Tried to delete the message, but don't seem to be able to. maybe the moderator will delete the post for me. Thanks again for responding.