Thermostat swap this weekend, any final tips?

[Itguy]

Hi everyone

Got the new thermostat on my table here ready to fit to our 05 gti.

Any final tips at all?

I've read the few PDFs posted in the other thread but someone mentioned something about removing a rad fan for access or the inlet manifold?

If I went down the inlet manifold removal route is that easy enough?

Thanks

[vRSAlex]

Just remove the alternator. Should be fine just going that.

[callis]

I have done this myself. First thing to check is that your thermostat works, place it in boiling water and check it opens. My first one i received didnt.

If you need any pointers then let me know, it is a pain in the ass, but you do not need to take out rad fan.

Just

Coolent
Aux Belt
Alt
Some other bits around the area

Took me a few hours, but was good to get hands dirty tbh.

Regards

Daron.

[Itguy]

Thanks - that's good to know.

From what I've seen ref the aux belt, you just move the tensioner with a spanner and lock it out of the way with a bolt/steel bar etc?

Good point ref testing the thermo - did you just stick it in a large pan of water? I've got a digital thermo probe I can use to see what temp it opens. I presume it should be 88?

[OSB]

I chickened out off doing it myself - VW have it as 3hr job. So allow yourself some time!
Worth doing though. I now have warm (not hot) cabin air coming through after 1 mille and even these cold days the car is up to temp (ind 90) after 3 - 4 miles. Performance seems a bit better and MPG has improved.
Good luck! Would like to know how you get on ....

[callis]

Yeah Aux belt, move tensioner with spanner, then slide in a drill bit.

Well tbh with mine i put it in when bubbles started to appear in large pan. As long as it opens then it will be fine.

If you need any more tips just let me know.

good luck, its simple really. Hardest bit for me was to remove the hoses and coolant

[Itguy]

I've had mine in the pan, opened up a treat between 88 and 90c so there is no problem there. Glad I checked it just to be sure though.

I really can't wait to see what the old one is like when I get it out, my suspicion is that it isn't fully closing but still opens wider at 90c.

Got some time tomorrow afternoon so I'll get on it.

[Scottymon]

I found the throttle body more annoying to replace than the alternator; I would definitely do the thermostat as a DIY job. 

[Itguy]

Thanks chaps, you're filling me with confidence!

[Itguy]

Can I just check though - when I tested the new thermostat I got the following;

When cold, the long inch diameter outlet was blocked off (I presume this is the main rad feed?) but the other three outlets were open. After the large obvious one which is the block, I presume these are heater feed and return or something?

When it was hot the long inch diameter outlet was open.

[Itguy]

Job done.

4 hrs in total including the drain and refill of coolant.

Not that difficult, just a bit fiddly. The method I took was;
Remove undertray
Drain coolant using bottom hose from small elec pump near sump
Remove engine cover
Move charcoal canister out of the way
Release tensioner and lock with drill bit
Mark and Remove aux belt
Unbolt alternator and remove cables at rear
Remove alternator
Remove main intake pipe work from throttle to intercooler (comes out under car)
Remove pipes from thermostat
Unbolt thermostat

Re assemble in reverse

Car does seem to warm up a bit quicker now, think I'll replace the temp sender anyway just to do the whole package.

[vRSAlex]

Good going.  Really need to get round to doing the one on the vRS.  Sitting at 70 degs and won't go higher. Never get time to work on my own cars.

[Itguy]

yeah that can't be good especially as we're approaching winter.

I wonder when the warm up fuel enrichment tapers off to 0% in the ECU mapping? Running at 70c can't be good for MPG can it!

[callis]

Ah good news.

Another DIY you can do your self. Seems daunting at first but as long as take time its simples.

Next for me is replace my drivers wing.

[GTiBlues]

I got the thermostat too sat on my table waiting to go on. Sits at 70-75c while driving. Did 200 miles from Exeter to Bristol and back on the M5 as good as all the way. Car Averaged MPG wise, 31.7, no cruise control. Half a tank of fuel.

So still toying the idea of DIY or get my vw mechanic mate to do it as hes got ramps and the tools at his finger tips.