Running cold..

[polodub]

Howdy, I have a 98 Polo 1.6 GL Estate. It's been running quite cold (about 70 degrees), particulalrly at high speed. It's also been getting more and more uneconomical. I had been advised and read about possible thermostat issues and thought I'd pop the bonnt today to have a look - although am pretty unknowledgeble about these things.
I can see that around the thermostat (particularly below) there's been a leeking of both coolant and also what looks like oil.
Firstly I'm worried that it could be more than just the thermostat, though my main questions are does the whole thermostat housing need changing and although am a novice and live on a hill with no flat area to jack up the car. Do I attempt to change it on my own or book it in for a couple of hours with my fairly economic garage?

[chicco]

you probably will need to change all the housing if you have a leak around the thermostat. i think that somebody might have overthighted the screw and now are not longer keeping well.

the oil leak could come from the right side of of your rocker cover this one are proned to loose elasticity and start to leak especially near the ridge.

i would suggest you to book it with you "fairly cheap" garage as it might be a bit tricky to change all the housing by yourself.

i hope it make sense.

Chicco