1974 VW AUTOVILLA OVERHEATING PROBLEM

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LeeN777
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Car Make: VW
Car Model: 1977 Autovilla (Snail)

1974 VW AUTOVILLA OVERHEATING PROBLEM

Post by LeeN777 »

Hey guys,

New to this forum. Bought a 1974 VW Autovilla last year. As soon as she has done 50km, she overheats. Initially thought there was a blockage somewhere, tried to clear any air bubbles, but no luck. :roll: Fan in front always feels cool and kicks in, so difficult to determine where to start looking for the problem. I heard some say it was a common problem with those models, but how to fix it?

Any help will be appreciated!
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Jetta2
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Re: 1974 VW AUTOVILLA OVERHEATING PROBLEM

Post by Jetta2 »

Does the temperature gauge show it is overheating, or how do you know for sure it is overheating?
Both top and bottom radiator hoses hot, or just one?
Stock OEM temperature gauge or aftermarket jobbie?
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LeeN777
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Re: 1974 VW AUTOVILLA OVERHEATING PROBLEM

Post by LeeN777 »

Thanks for the reply!
Yes, temp gauge show it's overheating. Temp gauge was replaced to make sure it's not faulty. Not sure with what type.
Will have to check whether top or bottom hoses are hot. I assume both (will check next time) When it shows it's overheating, the radiator is usually already fuming. Then do the usual thing - let it cool down, open up and refill with water and coolant again. No idea where all the water went though, as need to refill every time, yet can't see any leakage. Will run a few kms, then overheats again - that's the routine. Usually cannot do more than 50km, then the trouble starts.
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Neuk
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Re: 1974 VW AUTOVILLA OVERHEATING PROBLEM

Post by Neuk »

I hope that you get some good advice here but you could also check out the local aircooled forum...

https://www.aircooledvwsa.co.za/
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Re: 1974 VW AUTOVILLA OVERHEATING PROBLEM

Post by missioner »

Firstly your AutoVilla has been the victim of an engine swap.

1974 should have been air-cooled with either a 1.8l or 2.0l Boxer engine.

Diagnosing the cause of your issue is hard over the internet, so prepare to take it in to someone prepared to look into the issue and find the correct solution. I can give you 10 different things that can cause the issue you are having, but at best I will be wildly guessing.

Where are you situated and we can perhaps recommend a good tech to take it to in your area.
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Re: 1974 VW AUTOVILLA OVERHEATING PROBLEM

Post by PapaJo »

It is very likely that due to the engine swap to water cooled engine, that you are getting an airlock in the cooling system.

Where is refill water bottle mounted? Engine bay at rear and lower than motor or higher than motor?
Are there any bleeding points on the motor or radiator, that has to be in the highest point of the water system?

If no bleeding point installed look into either install one at the front at radiator. Alternatively park with nose downhill and then open water bottle if it is mounted at the rear next to engine and fill up water and let it circulate and observe air bubbles returning to water bottle.
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