1998 Audi A4 1.8T heats up really fast

Question

i just got it as a birthday present. i got it used from a friend.

well the engine gets really hot really fast. and doesn't cool down for a good while. and i also think the engine temperature gauge doesn't work. even thought the engine is burning up the gauge doesn't move. please help.

Answer 1

Yikes, I wouldn't listen to the guy who recommended to shrug it off. All car engines will seem really warm under the hood. If there's any doubt about the cooling system DO NOT run the engine. The heads will warp, the block will crack, things will melt together. It's awfully nice they gave you their car but it would suck to have to buy a new engine for it. I would get it to an Audi shop ASAP. I would be suspect of the thermostat, temperature sensor, water pump, or any combination of the three. Good luck, and hopefully you get this figured out!

Answer 2

The most common cause of overheating in the 1.8T is the water pump. They use plastic impeller which has a tendency to crack. Get it looked at this all aluminum engine will be severely damaged if you overheat it.  

Answer 3

I dont really think its anything to worry about, my 2.8L stay pretty hot for a while as well. Yours might heat up faster since its got the turbo.