Ask an expert


Shaopu

Hi Jack,

i just bought a 1998 Audi A4 V6 2.4L @ 140kms, i did hear some noise around high maintainace cost around this car, reason i bought is the owner dohave some proof of major works been done, cambelt (twice) and water pump including a new thermostat are changed June 2010, had regular service with a workshop manual where receipt right within the page that reference to the parts which gave me confident the car was looked after well.

since i bought it, i noticed some abnormal patten around the tempurature, it went up 90 quickly which i guess that's how the thermostat work, but it climbed up a bit right to like 100 when stop and go in the traffic and even higher like 105 when i stop the car on the site of the road. it then went back to 90 when i cruise back home on the mortorway... Owner did mention a overheat problem early this year where after dianostic by the mechanic, only the radiator cap was changed and issue resolved. he also said that the mechanic told him between 90 to 100 is a normal parameter for Audi car... my experience told me that anything over the normal level means abnormal. so your advice would be appreciate as i am a bit concern about this issue..

Thanks

Jordi

jbiddle

I share your concern to be honest. An overheating engine is the last thing you need happen regardless of the make/model of vehicle.

The fact the previous owner had concerns with the engine getting hot rings warning bells for me also.

I would get the radiator checked out for flow at least, it may need to be removed and flushed thoroughly. A partially blocked core will cause a fluctuation of the temperature gauge.

Sounds like everything but the radiator has been checked in the past.