skr80a

It wasn't before I uprated it. Back to the drawing board, as I still feel something isn't working correctly

Well I upgraded the radiator to to the higher core 190 model. It's still crap - overheating both oil and water on incline - even at 65 kmh. Towing van is 1300 max Inc stuff in it. Not impressed.

No. I didn't realise how critical it appears to be. Though with the upgrade radiators, and twin fan figured it should have coped with what is essentially way below it's stated capacity.

Have to say I am pretty disappointed to have to add all this additional stuff on this car to get it to do what other cars of similar power and size do without. I will be asking any vw / Skoda etc cars that tow about their experiences - wonder if all have had to bite the bullet if not factory towbar ordered?

Quick update following my latest tow to Spain with the car and caravan. I have had fitted the uprated 190 twin radiators, and also the twin fan. Replaced the intercooler, and failed water temp sensors. Sadly no improvement at all. Was creeping up hills at 45 kmh to try and keep oil below 140C. So I think I either sell the thing as not fit for purpose, or a final spin and fit the £500 external oil filter!! Decision decisions.

Others have suggested an upgraded radiator too from a 190 model. Does anyone know if thats a straight purchase and fit to my mk3 150 tdi please?

a quick update - twin fan fitted, and this reduces the temperature of the oil very quickly when it hits 140C and I idle the car. Still having oil heat issues though. I have changed all sensors, heat exchanger etc, and am now thinking its the car that simply cannot cope with towing the caravan - even if it is below the maximum permissible weight stated. Water temp remains perfect still. Somewhat disappointed in the towing ability, and frustrated as to how to solve it now!

It wasnt working before when it was 150bhp towing the caravan though :(

It was doing it before the remap - I had it remapped as I thought that the issue was insufficient power and strain on the engine...

Did you change the oil cooler too?

thank you

Thank you - Sounds like a relatively low cost option to start? Do you remember which year / model A3 fits please?

Thank you. The coolant temperature seems rock solid Thank you. Is that the coolant radiator, or the oil coolant, as the coolant temperature remains rock solid?

Thank you. Are you experiencing similar issues?

Hi - I posted this a day ago - seems I am in the same boat - did you ever get it resolved? thanks - Alex Hi - my Octavia 2.0 tdi (remap to 190) dsg auto estate 2014 70k seems to struggle towing my 1100kg caravan. Any slight incline @ 57 mph puts the oil temp up to 140+. The coolant remains rock solid, and on the level the oil temp towing is around 130. Non towing its around 115. I have had the intercooler changed, gearbox oil changed, also the oil temp sensor, but am lost as to why it seems to be running so hot when under load. Is this normal is my question? If not - any suggestions please I have towed two differed caravans with it, so know that the caravan weight is around the 1100kg - yesterday it was 5c outside and still managed to hit 143C on the m4 at 57mph - not even a big incline

Ah really - thank you I didn't know that. Will check!!

Hi - my Octavia 2.0 tdi (remap to 190) dsg auto estate 2014 70k seems to struggle towing my 1100kg caravan. Any slight incline @ 57 mph puts the oil temp up to 140+. The coolant remains rock solid, and on the level the oil temp towing is around 130. Non towing its around 115. I have had the intercooler changed, gearbox oil changed, also the oil temp sensor, but am lost as to why it seems to be running so hot when under load. Is this normal is my question? If not - any suggestions please I have towed two differed caravans with it, so know that the caravan weight is around the 1100kg - yesterday it was 5c outside and still managed to hit 143C on the m4 at 57mph - not even a big incline