changing thermostat on 1.8?

**kev bux** · 10th December 2007, 19:56

anyone know how 2 do this, will i lose much coolant?

how much is the thermostat?

if wondering why i ask, i recently changed the sensor as my temp gauge was not working properly, thought this cured the prob but it aint. playing up again.

**Gsi3.2** · 10th December 2007, 20:02

it's just hoses and fixing bolts..all dead simple stuff...you'll lose some coolant but not all of it, so get more red antifreeze as it's better to top up with that than water..

remove the radiator hose etc, undo the fixing bolts...remove the entire casting/thermostat assy and clean the mating face..apply a smear of sealant to the new o ring and bolt on the new housing assy..refit hoses etc and refill the system via the headertank..run the engine till warm and the stat has opened..then recheck the coolant level once cold again...time taken.. 20 mins..tools..pliers, grips and torx sockets..cost of unit.. around £15 for a pattern part, £30 from a dealers..

**kev bux** · 10th December 2007, 20:07

nice one, will the car be fine to use till friday?,only time i got really.
if not i will have to try and get it sorted sooner.

do you reckon the dealers will have these on the shelf?

cheers mark,

kev.

**Gsi3.2** · 10th December 2007, 20:09

they MAY have one on the shelf, but it does pay to call and check.....

it's 100% safe to run it if it's not getting warm...friday will do..

**kev bux** · 10th December 2007, 20:12

ok,

the gauge does work when it wants and when it does it reads that the engine never really gets hot so that the fan kicks in while driving.

**Gsi3.2** · 10th December 2007, 20:37

the fans shouldn't kick in while driving, the cooling ram of air will keep it cool enough...if you have changed the sender, and eliminated possible wiring issues then looking at the thermostat would be my choice..

have you had the engines temp read by someone with an infrared thermometer to see if the engine is operating correctly?..

**kev bux** · 10th December 2007, 20:46

car was serviced at dealer last monday, mentioned i had changed the sensor, and when i picked it up they said they had checked it out to be fine and reading ok by the mechanic, must have been working fine that day.

**D-S-Dave** · 9th January 2008, 18:14

Kev

Is the car sorted now, how's the fitting go (any tips like where is the stat). Mines got the magic temp gauge problem. Haven't done anything about it yet as the vecs not loosing water and running ok.

Note to self: get it fixed muppet.

**kev bux** · 9th January 2008, 18:34

hi,

yes mate, all done.

its that easy i done it. took about 20 mins. got the whole kit from vx + 1litre of anti freeze. just under £40 the lot.
stat is located on the front drivers side on 1.8's. two torx bolts to remove and just undo the hose clips on the housing. sender and thermostat comes with housing and housing is pre sealed for when you come to fit it to the engine. you will lose water but just top it up. i mixed the whole litre of anti freeze and still had a bit left over after i topped it up.

kev.

**D-S-Dave** · 22nd January 2008, 18:43

Originally Posted by Gsi3.2

it's just hoses and fixing bolts..all dead simple stuff...you'll lose some coolant but not all of it, so get more red antifreeze as it's better to top up with that than water..

remove the radiator hose etc, undo the fixing bolts...remove the entire casting/thermostat assy and clean the mating face..apply a smear of sealant to the new o ring and bolt on the new housing assy..refit hoses etc and refill the system via the headertank..run the engine till warm and the stat has opened..then recheck the coolant level once cold again...time taken.. 20 mins..tools..pliers, grips and torx sockets..cost of unit.. around £15 for a pattern part, £30 from a dealers..

Hi Mark.

I shell be attemping this on Friday, still running the car with no gauge. Question for you. The smear of sealent you mention. What sort and where to get it.

Cheers Dave