Thermostat replacement

**cadoc** · 15-11-2009,09:09 PM

1998 A3 1.8

I need to replace the the thermostat. I've been told by a mechanic that to do this he has to remove the starter motor to get at it.
Is this true as there seems to be no mention of it in the Haynes manual ?

Thanks in advance.

**Crasher** · 15-11-2009,09:19 PM

I suggest you start by finding a different mechanic, he is at the wrong end of the engine, it is the alternator that has to be removed first.

Take no notice of the Haynes comic, it isn’t much more use than having something to wipe the dip stick on. Long gone are the days when a Haynes was of use, to adequately cover the 8L series A3 from 97 to 2003 would fill around 1000 pages and that is before you even attempted to add wiring diagrams which could easily cover another 400 pages.

**T.sport** · 15-11-2009,10:21 PM

On the 1.8t A3 you dont need to remove the aternator either.Did mine the other day.It is awkward,but can be done with a double offset 45degree adapter

**AudiA3T** · 16-11-2009,09:37 PM

Yes, also replaced mine. Leave alternator where it is, use a 10mm socket on a 3/8 drive socket set with a universal coupling. It is a reasonably straightforward job. The local Audi dealer where I obtained the replacement thermostat, suggested that I should also replace the plastic thermostat housing and o ring. No probs.

**T.sport** · 17-11-2009,12:38 AM

Originally Posted by AudiA3T

Yes, also replaced mine. Leave alternator where it is, use a 10mm socket on a 3/8 drive socket set with a universal coupling. It is a reasonably straightforward job. The local Audi dealer where I obtained the replacement thermostat, suggested that I should also replace the plastic thermostat housing and o ring. No probs.

Dont really agree with housing but thumbs up on the o-ring

**S3 beast** · 06-03-2010,08:47 AM

how long did it take you to replace the thermostat, how much was the part and what are the precautions when replacing it?

**S3 beast** · 06-03-2010,08:50 AM

also, i know you're talking about the a3 8l model but is it the same for s3 2001 model, the 225 version? many thanks

**topuphere666** · 06-03-2010,09:27 AM

Originally Posted by S3 beast

how long did it take you to replace the thermostat, how much was the part and what are the precautions when replacing it?

changed mine yesterday , paid £15 for the part with VAT, took bout 25mins from start to finish to do it.

You dont need to remove any alternators/starter motors to get at it, only the engine cover!!

**S3 beast** · 06-03-2010,09:29 AM

did u buy the stat from audi dealers or from independant parts place, i.e general traffic/andrew page?
what symptoms were u having to make u change the stat? cheers

**cadoc** · 08-03-2010,12:02 PM

Bought the part from an independent parts dealer - LDS motor parts.

Symptom for replacing the thermostat was the fact that the car was taking a very long time to warm up so figured the thermostat was stuck open.