Just back from Vienna

Pete Sunway

Member
I had to collect some artwork from Vienna so decided to take the A2(2005 1.6 Fsi). I was a bit concerned it might be to far in a small & new to me car but all went fine and it was quite comfortable too. Over 2000 miles visiting Germany, Cesky Krumov & Vienna at 42.3 mpg, cruising at 80 most of the way, but managed 115 for a German section trying to keep off the 'heavy metal' in the fast lane. The top end on this engine is pretty good, over 3000 revs anyway. Used no oil, only slight problem was a heavy bump on a bridge ridge threw up the brake pad warning light which needs investigation(new discs and pads in feb), cruise control would be nice too. I only saw 4 other A2's; one on top of a scrap heap(Germany), one rough example with a jacked up rear end and two reasonable ones in Austria. Petrol seems similar price all over now, even in CZ, but the octane level available is 102(Arral) and even 100 in CZ. About 1.61-1.72 euro/litre. The A2 1.6 engine runs well on the 102 octane juice.
51608
51609
 
Changing the oil today, noticed the thermostat housing is leaking.....looks like fun to change.
Yes, by no means a five minute job. FSI thermostats and housing have been a recent topic discussed on the forum, be warned because of the high coolant temperature the thermostat housing is notorious for being fragile, look at and it breaks! Part of the fragility produces cracks that leads to leaks, besides gasket leaks, wisdom is to replace the housing as a matter of maintenance. Member Nod replaced his thermostat recently so if you use the forum search with key word 'thermostat' and member 'Nod' it will yield these recent threads. Worth reading as Nod found a cheap parts source and at the end gives some useful tips on fitting.

Andy
 
Yes, by no means a five minute job. FSI thermostats and housing have been a recent topic discussed on the forum, be warned because of the high coolant temperature the thermostat housing is notorious for being fragile, look at and it breaks! Part of the fragility produces cracks that leads to leaks, besides gasket leaks, wisdom is to replace the housing as a matter of maintenance. Member Nod replaced his thermostat recently so if you use the forum search with key word 'thermostat' and member 'Nod' it will yield these recent threads. Worth reading as Nod found a cheap parts source and at the end gives some useful tips on fitting.

Andy
Thanks a lot Andy. will definitely start checking the forums & Nod's wisdom. going to check all the hoses carefully too. This is preventive medicine in this case, I lost 1 inch level approx. in the rad reservoir and no overheating on my long trip, solid 90 deg.
 
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