Am I running too hot?

[dfellars77]

recently took a 300 mile road trip and noticed that my engine temp has been steadily increasing over the past few months. Here's the deal... on the road, the faster I went the cooler the temp (more air to the radiator I guess) and if we turned the ac off and the heat up, it would go down as well (as one would expect.)

Should I be concerned about my water pump or is this normal temp. She is a 99 with 66800 miles. Also the carpet behind the passenger seat is often damp. My thought is this is AC condensate, but maybe they are related?

Thanks!

[CJ_Boxster]

Nope thats about right, when it reaches that high you'll here the fans turn on then turn off after it lowers a bit, mine always climbs to that sitting in traffic, usually never on the freeway unless im speeding, bobbing and weaving on a long freeway run...like really working the high rpm range of the engine.

[Loren]

I would start with cleaning the front radiators - especially if it has never been done.

Just remove the front bumper and clean the AC condensers and the radiators behind them.

How to Remove the Front Bumper

[dfellars77]

Awesome... thanks. I will definitely take a look at the radiator (I need a weekend project since my iPod adapter install was far too easy!)

[mikefocke]

Also clean your drains.

Diagram HereLook at the index to other helps

[Tom C]

I would start with cleaning the front radiators - especially if it has never been done.

Just remove the front bumper and clean the AC condensers and the radiators behind them.

How to Remove the Front Bumper

Loren, Thanks for the photos and text. I had my AC condenser knocked out by a u-bolt last week and you replied to my post. I plan on replacing the condenser and clean the leaves out in the near future and this helps a lot. I have a copy of the Bentley Service Manual but I’m not too happy with it. I find it very vague.

I have found an after market condenser for $278. I’ll replace with a little help hopefully from my brother in law, an Audi mechanic and then get the system recharged at a garage.