Thermo-switch now leaking!

Bowma · 27-01-10, 12:34 PM

I now have a coolant leak at the bottom of the radiator from the thermo-switch and the red warning temp light is still flashing would the leaking thermo-switch cause this? I disconnected the wires from the sensor on the top water hose but the red light did not go out, this means the sensor is ok?

naffa · 27-01-10, 12:43 PM

When I replaced my radiator and fan switch the light kept flashing until I'd driven for about a mile then it went out and has stayed out. I dont know if that helps you or not.
A simple fix for your leak is a small amount of mustard powder in your header tank and fill the system with water then run up to temp. It works.

Bowma · 27-01-10, 01:56 PM

Hi Nathan,
No I've had this red light flashing problem for some time, now this leak from the thermo-switch, so maybe this or the sensor. Mustard powder? Where can I get that? You mean like colemans mustard? How much do I put in and can it be mixed with the antifreeze?

Thanks for the tip!

quattrokid · 27-01-10, 03:12 PM

my cooling fan is permanently on on the 90 quattro.... how much of a difference would this thermo switch make if this is indeed my defective bit?

heating inside the car isnt much warmer than your breath even on the hottest setting!!

naffa · 27-01-10, 09:37 PM

You can buy Colmans mustard powder for about 90p from the supermarket. I used about 1 table spoon. I wouldn't have believed it but my neighbor who is an AA callout said its what hed used for years.

The cooling fan being on permanently will not allow your engine to warm up quick as it should, so your mpg will be suffering as a result. Your heating system might improve aswell.

quattrokid · 28-01-10, 04:44 AM

thanks naffa

I'll look into this....

colmans mustard with antifreeze....

well I must admit I havent heard of that combination before

cheers

Bowma · 28-01-10, 07:16 AM

So you must add this mustard powder with the cooling system empty? Or can you put in the expansion tank when full? And does it mix with antifreeze ok as the antifreeze is in all year round!

27-01-10, 12:43 PM	#2
naffa Vorsprung durch Technik! Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Tipton, where where I kick ass. Posts: 564	When I replaced my radiator and fan switch the light kept flashing until I'd driven for about a mile then it went out and has stayed out. I dont know if that helps you or not. A simple fix for your leak is a small amount of mustard powder in your header tank and fill the system with water then run up to temp. It works. __________________ Cheers Nathan

27-01-10, 03:12 PM	#4
quattrokid 4 ring whore! Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Ayrshire Posts: 9,654	my cooling fan is permanently on on the 90 quattro.... how much of a difference would this thermo switch make if this is indeed my defective bit? heating inside the car isnt much warmer than your breath even on the hottest setting!! __________________ RS4 B5 (wife's / ours now ) S3 8L Imola Yellow S3 8L Nogaro blue UrWR SOLD UrS4 saloon (SOLD again) S4 Cabrio (SOLD) A4 cabrio 2.5 V6tdi (SOLD) 80 cabrio 2.6 V6 SOLD 90 quattro 10v SOLD 100 2.2e SOLD FOUNDING MEMBER the 200,000 Plus miles Club

27-01-10, 09:37 PM	#5
naffa Vorsprung durch Technik! Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Tipton, where where I kick ass. Posts: 564	You can buy Colmans mustard powder for about 90p from the supermarket. I used about 1 table spoon. I wouldn't have believed it but my neighbor who is an AA callout said its what hed used for years. The cooling fan being on permanently will not allow your engine to warm up quick as it should, so your mpg will be suffering as a result. Your heating system might improve aswell. __________________ Cheers Nathan

28-01-10, 04:44 AM	#6
quattrokid 4 ring whore! Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Ayrshire Posts: 9,654	thanks naffa I'll look into this.... colmans mustard with antifreeze.... well I must admit I havent heard of that combination before cheers __________________ RS4 B5 (wife's / ours now ) S3 8L Imola Yellow S3 8L Nogaro blue UrWR SOLD UrS4 saloon (SOLD again) S4 Cabrio (SOLD) A4 cabrio 2.5 V6tdi (SOLD) 80 cabrio 2.6 V6 SOLD 90 quattro 10v SOLD 100 2.2e SOLD FOUNDING MEMBER the 200,000 Plus miles Club

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27-01-10, 01:56 PM	#3
Bowma Grown up member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 120	Hi Nathan, No I've had this red light flashing problem for some time, now this leak from the thermo-switch, so maybe this or the sensor. Mustard powder? Where can I get that? You mean like colemans mustard? How much do I put in and can it be mixed with the antifreeze? Thanks for the tip!

28-01-10, 07:16 AM	#7
Bowma Grown up member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 120	So you must add this mustard powder with the cooling system empty? Or can you put in the expansion tank when full? And does it mix with antifreeze ok as the antifreeze is in all year round!