Alternator/ thermostat help

[Rigsby]

Basically my thermostat packed up yesterday, temp on the gauge dropped to 0 but when stationary would start to rise back up and the heater wasn’t kicking out hot air. Does this sound like a thermostat problem?

I started looking at the car contemplating whether to do the job myself or take it to a garage. On inspection I noticed one of the alternator bolts was sticking out and nearly touching the aux belt. I noticed earlier this year that the prev owner has snapped the head off the bolt but now the bolt has worked itself loose.
So I went about fixing it now, tensioner off, aux belt off and managed to extract the bolt, I had an identical bolt lying around do put that in and as I was nipping it up the alternator tabs cracked.

Question is can I get the tabs welded back on or best to get a used alternator ?

Any advice welcome

[doylebros]

New alternator is the way forward as there tricky to get out of that location and need levering out.

[dronners]

its probably going to be cast metal too which dosent weld very well...   at least it gives you an excuse to change the thermostat now..  silver linings and all

[Rigsby]

Ok, I didn’t know if cast aluminium could be welded.

I suppose I’m halfway there to replace the thermostat.
If I remove the alternator can the car be started and moved? Drive a short distance?

[doylebros]

Yes you can start and move the car.

The job of replacing the thermostat is a twat of a job on these cars and you need M5 tripple square socket make sure you've got one, have you got a how to for the job?

If not this is worth a read.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Volkswagen_Golf_GTI_Mk_V/31-WATER-Replacing_Your_Thermostat/31-WATER-Replacing_Your_Thermostat.htm

[Rigsby]

Yeah I have been reading through the pelican parts how to.
Triple square is the same for the hpfp banjo bolt? If so I’ve got one
Everyone says it’s horrible job which is putting me off.

[doylebros]

If you've got access to a spare car and aren't pushed for time so you can do the job at your speed then it's just nuts and bolts crack on and enjoy it.

[Rigsby]

Yeah I only work up the road so can walk.
I’ll get the parts ordered and crack on
Cheers 

[doylebros]

Keep in mind when your so far into the job to check the inline thermostats - this will help and enlighten you on that section.

http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,78341.0.html

[fab5freddy]

Shameless plug, i’ve got a brand new one for sale @Rigsby if your interested

http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,113172.0.html

[Rigsby]

@fab5freddy too much for me atm, thanks for the offer though

[Rigsby]

Last bolt and the thermostat is out, this triple square one is kicking my ass.
I have an m5 spline bit, is this the same? It don’t fit

[doylebros]

There's also a couple of torx 30 if I remember correctly especially one hidden behind the electrics!

[doylebros]

Last bolt and the thermostat is out, this triple square one is kicking my ass.
I have an m5 spline bit, is this the same? It don’t fit

The tripple square is twelve points as this shows

https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/laser-5218-m17-12-drive-spline-bit-socket/?da=1&TC=GS-040226218&gclid=Cj0KCQiAjO_QBRC4ARIsAD2FsXPbD3i-WnLPGH8vxZYKWLpcloobxSSG8nWF6WY68IGye0wA5JeRgEcaAi0qEALw_wcB

Not like a Torx six point as this

https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/Pack-of-10-Torx-Drive-T20-Screwdriver-Bits-Torx-T-20/542875513?iid=121391368215

[Rigsby]

Yeah that’s what I’ve got mate, m5 spline bit and it’s too big, nothing fits this basstard bolt .
Might have to get the dremel out

Are triple square the same as a spline bit? I thought they were the same?