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Volkswagen Repair/ENGINE RUNNING HOT

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Expert: Rick O. - 1/18/2009


Question
2003 VW NEW BEATLE WITH 60,000 MILES. I HAVE REPLACED THERMOSTAT AND FLUSHED COOLING SYSTEM. ENGINE IS GETTING HOT. HOW DO I CHECK IF COOLING FAN IS GETTING POWER? HOW DO I DECIDE IF WATER PUMP IS THE PROBLEM?

Answer
Samuel,
 You should easily see the cooling fan come on at idle once the engine gets hot.  However, if the engine gets hot while driving, not in stop and go traffic, the fan is probably not the problem, but the water pump is likely bad.  Some pump impellers are made of plastic and are known to shatter.

Rick

Volkswagen Repair

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Volunteer

Rick O.

Expertise

Classic, aircooled (rear engine) 1949-1979 VW's, specializing in electrical problems, fuel injection, and Type 181 "The Thing". NOTE: I have limited experience on water-cooled VWs (Rabbit, Golf, Jetta, etc...) but I am glad to help to the extent of my knowledge, due to the fact there are currently no other experts registered for these models.

Experience

15 years of aircooled VW ownership and maintenance.

Publications
Wikipedia, VW Beetle

Education/Credentials
Retired US military Electronics Tech/Master Training Specialist, Civilian Computer engineer.

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