Cupra 1.8T Problems??? I think!!

[burnsie]

I've had an ibiza cupra 20vt for a month or so now but hardlys drove it. Ive noticed when i switch the engine off their are funny water pressure noises coming from the front of the car, kind of like a bubbling noise and i can smell warm water if you know what i mean.

Also when i turn the car on the red light on the water temperature dial is flashing for a few minutes and also makes an audiable warning noise.

Please help fella's, im concerned i may cause more harm driving it.

 

[andycupra]

the red light comes on first thing in the morning, or when its cold? with 3 beeps?
this is the coolant level warning. This is common and not really a problem (if the coolant level is ok)
The cold weather means the level drops a bit and the sensor is less effective.
Take a look at the coolant level. If its towards the bottom end of the range indicated onthe expansion bottle top it up to nearer the top end. (when cold).
When hot the coolant will expand and sit above mx, dont worry as long as its not filling up the expansion bottle completely.

Other things you can do are remove the expansion bottle top (when cold) and give the to wire prongs you can see inside the bottle which go into the coolant a gentle wiggle and scrape off build up on them.

regards the sound a the front of the car, is it a whirring sound like an electrical pump? if so im 99% sure its the secondary coolant pump which runs for a short while after switch off the aid cooling.

Therefore as long as you are happy you have not lost all your coolant, then id say its ok to drive.

 

[s1l3nc3r]

Have you checked your fluid levels..?

^^^^Beat me to it..

 

[chris_200120vt]

sounds like the SECONDARY WATER PUMP does it make a buzzing noise?
the beep your hearing when you put the igintion on will be to say the header tank is low on water

 

[burnsie]

All levels are fine, could it just be a faulty sensor??

Also yes there is a buzzing noise?? it sounds like its pressuring up tho, is this a faulty watyer pump or is it fairly normal?

Thanks for all your help guys!

 

[s1l3nc3r]

It does it when you turn it off to help cool things down...It should also do it if you just put the key into the ingnition turn it but dont start the car then turn it off and remove the key.

 

[andycupra]

yes the coolant level sensor is a known PITA when its cold.

As said you can try topping up the coolant a bit to try and help the sensor or clean all contacts and prongs.

Many people replace the header tank (as cant replace just the sensor) which should fix it, (a few have had same problems in subsequent winter months but most are ok. Although this could be due to higher coolant levels after replacement.. )

 

[burnsie]

excellent, thanks very much for all your help lads. Just need to get a bit more power out of it now. Its got a stage one remap, filter and worlds quietest dump valve. Wouldnt mind a touch more noise from it but never mind. i can live with that.

 

[andycupra]

as you are new ill let you off regarding whooshy dump valves. (but i will say please dont start a thread asking for more whoosh, - you have been warned)
Ill point out that the 1.8T lump uses a recirculating DV, (so really a diverter valve), if you want more sound you may be tempted to get one that dumps expternally, - dont. The ECU will expect the air to be recirculated.
If you want more sound get an inducation kit.

Are you using standard plastic dv at the moment?

 

[burnsie]

I've owned about 30 maybe more turbo charged cars now and the only reason i mention the quiet dump valve is in case it maybes had an air leak from one of the pipes or something. altho i must admit i do still like the noise. Cant beet the old wastegate noise on a cosworth!!! ha

 

[s1l3nc3r]

If you want a louder dump noise just do a search for turbosmart...and cold side relocation.

 

[burnsie]

forgot to mention andy the cars got a forged dump valve on at the mo i beleive

 

[ibizaluke]

so you can open and close the DV by clicking the top round, its reccommended that it 20 clicks from closed i think