AWX thermostat change

[portovechios]

Hi, had the usual not getting past 75c so changed the black temp sender for a new green one gone from 42mpg to 55mpg and the temp is getting to 90 even out in the cold 2c

I'd ordered a new stat as i decided to change that also for the sake of £9. I can see the stat just right of the rear of the alternator and it looks like it should come free just about, without removing Alternator, is that the case? and will i lose much G12 in the process?

Thanks

[Crasher]

You will lose quite a lot of coolant, get yourself a 1.5 litre bottle of G12++, decant it and mix it 50/50 with water and then use that to top up.

[portovechios]

Will the housing come away without removing the alternator?

[kenney]

Will the housing come away without removing the alternator?
no you can not access the screws on the housing without removing the alternator

[Peter_HMR]

The alternator doesnt need to be removed. I got on fine with a standard extension bar.

http://www.myturbodiesel.com/1000q/b5/thermostat-replacement-vw-passat.htm

[Crasher]

It is tight, but possible.

[kenney]

you spend more time futtering than it takes to remove the alternator

[passat 130 tdi]

no you can not access the screws on the housing without removing the alternator I changed mine the other day and it was very easy to access both screw heads with the alternator in place , if you disconnect the battery live first , you can remove the alternator live , this makes a lot more room for the top screw. you cant use allan keys ,,you will need to use allan key attatchments and an extension with a 1/4 " drive socket and ratchet ,or the long allan head tools you buy with handles ontop , also removing the housing with alternator in place is very easy you just tilt one edge and it lifts over the thermostat and off. the only thing i'd say to watch for is making sure the o ring does not move on reassembly and have a magnet near by when removing the 2 screws , losing them can be very easy and its a dealer part , unless you have m7 bolts and some washers to hand ... fluid loss was about 3 to 4 litres most of which I caught in a bucket ...

[Dunsmorechap]

It is fairly easy without removing the alternator if you use a 1/4" drive extension, and you don't have hands like coal shovels.

[Crasher]

you don't have hands like coal shovels.

That's my issue but you know what they say, big hands.....................big gloves....

[smithy602179]

thats why the cars these days are built by midgets(robots) so big handed oafs cant fix em themselves lol . myself included

[jammy86]

That's a cheap thermostat. I think mine was 17quid from tps. Easy to change and solved the problem.