Replacing thermostat method

[jakex181]

I believe my thermostat is stuck open and so when the weather is a bit warmer i am going to replace it myself, ive seen lots of people saying to remove the alternator and access it this way. I am just wondering if it would be easier to remove the intake manifold and whether this would provide better access? I do not know whats required to remove the intake manifold i am just looking for some advice at the best method to replace the thermostat. Cheers

[doylebros]

This is worth a read if you've not read it!

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

If you go with your manifold thoughts this is well worth a read

http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=70054.0

[SiofChester]

Removing the alternator worked best for me. wasn't a particularly pleasant job to do, particularly if you're out in the open at this time of year!

[jakex181]

Thanks for the guide, removing the manifold definitely gives better access to the thermostat but its hard to tell from the images whether it can be removed as the alternator still looks in the way of the bottom bolt :/. Im still not sure which method would be easier, has anyone changed their thermostat by removing the manifold?

[doylebros]

Thanks for the guide, removing the manifold definitely gives better access to the thermostat but its hard to tell from the images whether it can be removed as the alternator still looks in the way of the bottom bolt :/. Im still not sure which method would be easier, has anyone changed their thermostat by removing the manifold?

This is worth a watch  - depending on your mechanical aptitude!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jvlpFfZpUmc

You can add this in to help you make your mind up!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nZDMexvOlmU

[jakex181]

Removing the intake manifold looks like the best method as it would also allow me to clean the valves but I don't like the idea of maybe having to reseal injectors :/

[GTIEagles]

What an absolute arse of a job! I was considering doing mine when the weather gets better but I think I'll leave this one to a garage instead.

[Matthewsimone]

Mine is in today beinv changed by a friend who is German specialist, not a simple 5 minute job from what he said earlier 

[homesqueeze]

Mine is in today beinv changed by a friend who is German specialist, not a simple 5 minute job from what he said earlier 

My indy changed mine a couple of weeks ago. It was three hours labour and they said it was a pig of a job.

[TForrest94]

Did mine about this time last year by the alternator!  Took about 5 hours but your right not a great job this time of year

Noting i have no mechanical experience just didnt fancy the 6 hours labour quoted!

[Matthewsimone]

Well it was changed yesterday and all is now fine with heating up etc and with it being a friend doing the job it only conme in at £130 all in, shame the map sensor plug got damaged during the job but thats being repaired today 

[DANBOY66]

the stat is 30 odd quid so that's a good price done mine a few weeks back and its a pig of a job as everyone has said 

[Matthewsimone]

Yeah took my mate about 3 hours and lots of swearing apparantly  think the genuine stat was £27 from Tps