2.6 Thermostat

[andrewaudi]

My Cabrio is running cold, it doesn't heat up unless it's sitting idle for a while now that it's turned winter (was fine during summer). So I reckon that my thermostat is a little jammed open (had this on my old 2.3).

I thought it would just be a simple case of replacing it (20-30 quid of parts), but after having a look here: http://www.12v.org/engine/index.php?section=cl&view=cool I got slightly worried. Am I going to have to remove timing belts etc to get to this? Is my quick fix going to be a nightmare to do?

I can't get to the car right now because it's in the garage with corroded petrol pipes spilling fuel out over the road...

[andrewaudi]

I could really do with some help on this one. I have tested it (by sticking a bag over the radiator) and confirmed, my thermostat is jammed open! With the bag over, the engine heats up fine.

What I need to know is, can this be replaced by just using normal tools? When I put it back together am I going to be stuck needing some obscure vag tool to sort out the timing belt tension?

Will I be able to remove the belt and just stick it straight back on without any hassle?

Is there anything other than the timing belt that needs to be removed?

I really don't want to put it in a garage to do this cause it would cost a fortune to fit a £30 part!

[Crasher]

Yes, I am afraid it is a full strip down and I strongly suggest you do the water pump whilst you are in there and a full cam belt kit.

[andrewaudi]

Any idea how many hours a garage are likely to charge to do it?

[Crasher]

Well I have just looked this up in more detail and it is suggested that it can be done just by sliding the timing belt forwards on the right hand side top pulley, so giving enough room to remove the thermostat cover and get the thermostat out and so avoiding removing the belt. I have never tried this as once in there I would do the belt. Audi give a time of 130 time units for this job which is around 1 hour 20 minutes.

[andrewaudi]

Ah cool, it's probably best I get a garage to do it, I have a good idea how these things work, like how the cooling system and the thermostat all tie in, but I tend to destroy cars, and I am very happy with my Cabrio in one piece!

I guess tho that means all I have to do is remove all that plastic, pop the timing belt forward, and then I should have good access to the thermostat? Nothing else blocking the way?

[Crasher]

Roughly speaking,

Drain coolant.

Remove ribbed belt.

Remove tensioner for the ribbed belt.

Remove left and right toothed belt guards.

Apply load to toothed belt next to right camshaft toothed belt sprocket and turn crankshaft back and forth slightly at central bolt of crankshaft toothed belt sprocket. Note: This loosens the right side of the toothed belt slightly and makes it easier to move it forwards.

Pull toothed belt forwards slightly on tensioning roller and right camshaft toothed belt sprocket but do not pull off completely. If toothed belt has slipped off tensioning roller, valve timing must be adjusted.

Detach housing for thermostat.

Detach sealing ring and thermostat, always replace sealing ring.

Clean/smooth sealing surface for sealing ring before fitting.

Fit thermostat with bleed valve facing upwards and the sealing ring facing the housing.

Fit housing for thermostat.

Push toothed belt to rear.

Fit ribbed belt.

Fill with coolant.

[andrewaudi]

Thanks for this, I'll take a look, but don't want to end up mushing valves with a badly setup timing belt!

Thank you very much for this help, it's much appriciated!