Audi 80 Quiz
Cooling System

Water pump V-belt

In this manual: Cooling System
Technical Description — 39Engines — 41Exhaust System — 13Cooling System — 28Fuel tank and fuel pump — 12Air Filter and Intake Ducts — 13Mono-Motronic Injection System — 18Digifant Injection System — 19KE-III-Jetronic Injection System — 35MPI and MPFI Injection Systems — 32Clutch — 11Transmission and Driveline — 21Suspension and Steering — 33Brake System — 41Anti-lock brake system — 8Wheels and Tires — 13Body Electrical System — 35Ignition System — 24Lighting — 14Signaling Devices — 7Instruments and Auxiliary Equipment — 54Heating and Ventilation — 7Body Components — 18Troubleshooting — 6Specifications — 13
~1min read

The water pump on 5- and 6-cylinder engines is driven by a timing belt, so nothing can slip out of place. On models with a 4-cylinder engine, however, the engine must never be operated without the V-belt and therefore without the water pump! Otherwise, serious engine damage may occur.


Cold water is heavier than hot water, so it can slowly circulate through the engine and radiator even without a water pump. However, this thermosiphon cooling is not sufficient for modern engines. For more details on the V-belt, refer to the Generator section.

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A quick Audi 80 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.