Rich

When my pump died, it died with a plethora of strange noises!!! For a few days, it sounded like a dog barking from under the hood. I had no idea what it was and couldn't localize the sound. The night it died coming home, I heard squeals, pips, quirks and other assorted sounds. But when the pump seals blew, and fluid went everywhere, it was obvious what part was bad! I would suggest a pump from the local junkyard/pull-a-part. They are lots cheaper than dealers/ auto shops and are not too difficult to replace. Good Luck! Please reply back and let us know what it was. Rich

Hey JT95 - Whats the word on your solution?

Well - wanted to wait and see if what I did fixed the problem and it appears to have solved it for me! I added more fluid to the radiator following setrights plan and I have had plenty of heat and no over-heating since. Thanks to all for the replies and to the board for helping me solve lots of problems over the years. Rich

I have not had any work on the cooling system in many, many years. MAtter of fact, I havent even checked it. Today, I opened the radiator when cool and it did need some fluid - it wasnt at the top. Started car, ran it and filled till it would not take any more fluid. Put the cap on and drove about 15 minutes. No problems, plenty of heat. I will check the overflow bottle tomorrow and the radiator too to see what the levels are. IF I do not have further problems - I will flush the system on a warmer day. Rich

I was driving home this evening (90 legacy 2.2 liter), trip of about 14 miles. Got hot, so turned the heater off. AFter a few miles, I turned it back on, but just got cold air. I thought it was maybe a vacuum switch problem, but eventually, hot air came poruing out and I noticed the temp indicator was pegged! I was 1/2 mile from home, and by the time I got there, the temp was down to normal and both fans were running. Heater was acting normally. Upper rad hose was warm, but the radiator itself felt cold. (hard to tell since both fans running in 35 degree air from outside). I think the thermostat got stuck closed. I have never changed it since I have owned the car for 11 years. There were no leaks or steam around the head gaskets. Anyone think of anything else it may be other than thermostat? Thanks, Rich

I had the same problem 3 weeks ago. Same symptoms - no codes thrown. It was the MAF sensor. I got another from the Junkyard and all is well now. One test I learned was that if you plug it in and start the car and it runs, tap on top of the MAF with the butt-end of a screwdriver, and if the car acts abnormal (surging, searching for idle speed, dies), then that proves the MAF is bad. The electronics can go fuzzy after a while. Check Pullapart.com and see if they will send you a MAF if there is no Pullapart in your area. MAF's sell for about $17. Good luck - its definitely the MAF. Rich

I just sold my 73 SuperBeetle last year. I hated to let it go as it had been in the family for over 20 years, but it was wasting away, and I couldn't bear to let it do that. I just didnt have time/$$ to keep it up. I really miss having it around, but thats the breaks. IT was a total blast, loaded with tons of quirks! Rich

I think it may be the alternator whining. I never heard or thought an alternator would whine, just figured they either worked or didnt. I am returning the pump to the junkyard, and getting an alternator (once I verify that it is indeed the whining noise). I think I will take the belt off the PS pump and start the motor to see if the whine is still there. IF it is, I know its not the pump, but the alternator. Anyone know how long an alternator will last with a bearing starting to go bad? Some act like they will last a long time. I am not usually one to chance things. Thanks all. Rich

The belts are only a year or so old and are in good shape. I guess the junkyard pump will ahve to go back. Aren't there rebuild kits for pumps for around $15? IF so, where can I get one? I think the belts are ok. Could overtightening of the belts cause shudder or definitely whining? Thanks, Rich

That is a possibility, but I guess I am wondering if its the pump or not. Has anyone had this kind of problem from a power steering pump before? Also, has anyone had an alternator make a whining sound when its starting to go bad? This sound just started last Monday. I am thinking that its not the PS pump anymore. I finally had some one to help me by revving the motor while I listened. The sound seems to come from around the alternator area straight down to wards the main crank pully. I guess I am just looking for way to eliminate things now or to decide it it could be the alternator. I am seriously hoping its nothing internal to the engine. The whine varies with the engine RPM's. I am really hoping to keep the vehicle running for a lot longer. ITs only got aroun 175K miles. Thanks Rich

All - I have a 90 legacy 4wd 4eat. I noticed a whine coming from under the hood recently that sounded like the power steering pump. I had quietened it down about 6 months ago with some additional fluid, so knew what the problem was. I got a used pump from a junkyard and replaced the old one this weekend. Well, guess what? I still have the whine and now the power steering shudders when turning left. I went thru the bleeding procedures when replacing the pump. Anyone have any ideas what could be causing this shudder on left turns? (I know its not the tranny as I tested the car in both 4wd and fwd modes). Thanks for the replies. I know someone here will know the answer! Rich

I do not think that the head gaskets have any problems. I drive interstate and city constantly, and never have overheating or temperature issues. IT pretty much only happens when I first start the car and pull out on corners or hills. but thanks for all the replys. Rich

What is seafoam, and where do you buy it? Rich

All, I have a 90 2.2 legacy. When the engine is cool, (after driving about 1.5 miles), I come to a stop sign, and when stopping, the engine drops down like it is going to die. It hasn't died yet, but always slows down like it is going to. AFter it is warm, it doesn';t do this. Any ideas? New air filter? Fuel Filter? Clean throttle body? By the way - this is an automatic tranny. Thanks, Richard

Thanks for the data everyone. I was hoping it wasn't going to be a major problem, since everything seems to be anymore. I will keep an eye on the temp to make sure it isn';t periodically getting hot, and will add some more coolant. Rich