Expert: Sean Halliday - 6/9/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
Thanks in advance for your help..
I am in a jam.
My 2001 1.8t 65K is not coming up to temp in cool weather, and thus not blowing much warm air inside.

During warm times, its fine.. but cold it does not get to temp.. about 1/2 per guage.

When it sits for a minute after driving, the temp rises but quickly falls when restarted and driven

I thought the thermo might be stuck, but was reading about nasty problems w/ heater cores and aux water pumps

Also, I am getting a moisture build up inside the car on a few occasions. Not always, but some times during temperature changes.
No smell of coolant or anything... and, coolant levels seem fine.

Thanks again..

ANSWER: Its most likely the outside temp which will make the gauge be at a lower level.As for the heater,you may have a stuck open thermostat.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello,
I appreciate all the help w/ my temp issue and was wondering if someone could help me figure out a possible turbo concern.

When I start the Car (01/Jetta1.8t/75Kmiles) I notice a hissing/leaking sound from around the turbocharger.. The hissing goes on for about 1-2minutes, then I hear the turbo shut lower, or wind down... Goes from higer pitch (normal sound, to a lower sound)
the car seems to run fine after that, but this sound is new and concern me a bit.
Does this make sense?  Sorry for my lack of descriptive skills.. ;)
thanks in advance for your help.

ANSWER: Check all the turbo hoses for cracks or tears.It may also need serviced if you never have done so.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello, I checked the lines for leaks and nothing apparent. After listening closely to it again this AM, the noise only seems to last a few minutes, then the turbo sounds like it just shuts off. I know it is still running b/c the car runs fine and has exact same performance and mileage as always. It there any other thing I can look for?
To restate my concern, the hissing sound is new but I am not sure the turbo winding down is. I just noticed it when I listened to the hissing sound more closely.

Does the turbo have a start up phase that spins it up to some pressure point, then backs off or shuts downs a bit?

Strange this sound is so clear yet the car runs fine and not indication of any other problem.

However, I am new to turbo, and did notice the turbo seems to kick in and out a bit when driving around the neighborhood. When I would give it gas, there seems to be a lag for just a little bit then it would kick in after I got up to speed a bit and I could feel it perform better. On the highway the turbo always seemed to be there when I pressed on the gas.

Sorry for not making any sense here... Thanks for your help


Answer
As i said before,the turbo will need serviced and inspected.This is a job for a pro and best to let them do it.If the turbo goes,it can cause major engine damage.There is no way you can test the pressure or look for leaks without the proper equipment.