Thermostat Replacement with Upgraded Thermostat Housing

In this how to video, you will learn how to repair the coolant leak on the AAA VR6 engine. We will be replacing the coolant pipe aka CRACK PIPE, as well as the thermostat housing and coolant flange. This is one of the common issues with the Volkswagen VR6 engine.
For full show notes visit the blog at humblemechanic.com/?p=5761
Eurowise thermostat housing ~ eurowise.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=818_821&products_id=861
Review of Eurowise housing ~ kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKuUi31ma5WIhLs
Important information before starting this repair:
Tools needed for this coolant pipe DIY
Eurowise Thermostat Housing
Eurowise thermostat housing review
Some struggles I had doing this repair
Removing the front end is not always necessary, but can make it easier
and more
Humble Mechanic Podcasts
kzbin.info/aero/PLwfzU5uvU-lKLEvGiyabJxxazND2S7lC-
Failed VW parts videos
kzbin.info/aero/PLwfzU5uvU-lIxxNMAO-nNe4c3Liohrrr-
Tool Reviews
kzbin.info/aero/PLwfzU5uvU-lKA_oaxAkY0KKTvS4cxuPA7
How To videos
kzbin.info/aero/PLwfzU5uvU-lKM-_ShLfG-IrNqklIp0_To
MK1 VR6 Swap Videos
kzbin.info/aero/PLwfzU5uvU-lKJ09uR9evf987LmSuijY-p
Follow me on:
The Blog
humblemechanic.com
INSTAGRAM
humblemechanic
FACEBOOK
HumbleMechanic
TWITTER
HumbleMechanic
GOOD STUFF ON AMAZON
goo.gl/5304Qw (affiliate)

[@zacharyjohnston3816]

So helpful. Its nice having a video without bad music and that is actually in focus and well lit.

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Zachary Johnston thanks man. I appreciate it.

[@TURBODON.6]

I'm so happy I pulled off the front end of my jetta into service mode to do this and not fighting to take off the oil cooler hose. makes life a lot easier

[@HumbleMechanic]

Yes it does!

[@theblackmambaplague]

Done this a million times, rebuilt vr6 engines is some hung I love to do!

[@Ekorslk]

Learning so much about my vw, not afraid to actually dig in there and do some diys. Thanks! Keep up the good work.

[@HumbleMechanic]

+andres lopez Thanks :)

[@coreytheMFstory]

​@HumbleMechanic I have a question Charles. I didn't see a video about bleeding the coolant system for an audi s3 , my question is when using an airlift to remove the air from the system would I need to completely drain all coolant or could I just empty the expansion tank ? The gulping sound from air in my car literally sounds like it's coming from the airbox . Thanks

[@Badgertronix]

Nice job! I would definitely recommend moving the bumper forward whenever you do this job. You don't have to remove it, just undo the bolts and slide it forward to give you a few extra inches. Also replace those little coolant hoses that run between the block, crackpipe and oil cooler. AND take a close look at the oil cooler itself. Definitely a do it once, do it right kinda job! Having to take it all apart a week later to fix a leak in the same area really sucks! Urotuning do handy kits including hoses and new bolts.

[@robertochristian6399]

I have kkkkikkkkkkookkkkgkgk

[@robertochristian6399]

GiHi gthanks thanks I have have kind in the keep my mouth mouth kkkkgkkgk

[@robertochristian6399]

Free to check out this weekend and I jdhave have have on the phone phone for fall done and didjd drive drifjjjdinternet day and get it to to go go dback jfkdd thanks again jjagain for kfjd

[@robertochristian6399]

JdThanks dddo is doing doing day dtomorrow day at at home dand I hope ddhope doing do well and and do dij well ddid doing a dgood good day and happy drjdj jdjjhappy jhappy jjdhappy jhappy idk jdlove dear friend love miss miss driving d miss miss him ddid doing great jrgreat jhappy dthanks dthanks djjjjdddd Jim mmmm mmmmmm nmare name jon mom mojoodjdddjjdjgjdmgmfmtjddjtmt

[@nicknicu1787]

Excellent brother! Your channel just went up a lot of points with the latest DIYs! I hope you've filmed taking the front end off. That would make another great DIY video.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thanks! Not sure if I have the footage of that. If I do I will have to cut the audio. I am pretty sure there is a LOT of swearing. Hahah

[@nicknicu1787]

+HumbleMechanic Lol!

[@TheMichael769]

+HumbleMechanic You could just put a parental advisory on it. :-)

[@maldo0412]

Nick Nicu

[@evandrocaetanomaciel8832]

Gostei muito do vídeo. Serve bastante para entender como montar as peças novas. Eu estava com uma dúvida enorme sobre o encaixe da borracha da válvula termostática.

[@johnspa1035]

Thanks a lot for your video, I have just changed my thermostat on my mk 3 vr6 following your tricks and now I'm able to use 100% of the potential of my engine. Thank you very much, from France.

[@HumbleMechanic]

NICE! So glad to help

[@svense74]

Another great DIY as usual! Thanks for all your hard work!! btw: the 'Reparaturleitfaden' states regarding the thermostat; "Installed position: breather slot/valve uppermost"

[@RedondoBeach2]

Charles, you mentioned: 1:14 "had I know I was going to have to pull the front end off, I would have done a couple other repairs while I was in there, but I'll have to save those repairs for another time." What other repairs are? Since the bumper will come off, this might be the opportune time to also remove my GTI's oil filter housing to replace the figure-eight seal on its flange. Please let me know if other jobs should be considered as well. I intend to replace the coolant pipe as preventative maintenance, so your input on additional opportunistic maintenance while I have the front end torn apart, is helpful and appreciated. My MKIV GTI has the 24v VR6 BDF engine. Thanks for another great video. If other experienced DIY mechanics have suggestions based on your experience with my car/engine combination, let me know.

[@franciscorubio3613]

Thanks so much I really needed this type of video recently my jetta mk3 vr6 glx coolant pipe leaked and now its way easier to fix with this video, love it

[@rhkips]

I envy you and your easy lower radiator hose reattachment! Last time I had mine off, I spent the better part of two days trying to freeze the O-Ring so it would be small enough to not bind up while trying to reattach the lower hose! I ended up having to physically cut the O-Ring, remove a small section from it, and super-glue it back together. Fortunately it didn't leak, but I'm extremely hesitant to ever take it off again! :( I had to pull the front end off the car to get at my crack pipe, too. After 160,000 miles, it was pretty much welded into the block!

[@freshkleensucks]

rhkips there is no O-Ring on the lower radiator hose.....

[@sorrynotsorry394]

Thanks for your work on this video, it was very helpful for me in replacing the thermostat housing and crack pipe on my Jetta. If you can make a video on replacing a valve cover gasket on the mk3, that would be great.

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Sarah Plugge doing a spark plug video next, then the valve cover gasket. Then checking timing chains. :)

[@123Knam]

Great job! Looking forward to watching you DIY'ing. Keep up the good work!

[@jacobmanning4817]

Really appreciate your time and effort in this

[@grahamganner6185]

thank you so much! I didn't need to replace either part that you did but it helped me with other houses on the oil cooler.

[@Eurospec73]

Great job Mr. humble mechanic I'm glad I watched this video because I plan on doing a full coolant flush on my 12 valve VR6 for the Corrado. My question is should I use G13 E-Type coolant which is Pink or should I use the blue coolant which is NF? I think the difference is one has glycosin in it or something like that which is more economically friendly. Oh yeah and I'm also flushing out the orange antifreeze so I will be adding distilled water about three different times and flushing it until I refill it.

[@HatsuneM1ku01]

Is this pretty much the same on the 24v Jetta

[@DanielHondaCRX]

Thnx for the video. Ive been doing the same repair on my vr6 today. Video helped me alot. Greets from Holland ;)

[@brianbalik9041]

What are the other things you recommend changing while you are into this? I am about to tackle this on my 2001 vr6. I am also doing new temp sensors, new radiator.... throwing in new water pump too.. While Im in there I just want to refresh all I should. Think you have convinced me on that sweet eurowise housing. So, any recommendations are appreciated so not to go back later. Awesome Channel! First vr6 I have owned after other jettas. Thanks for the help! Let me know how I can send you some handcrafted beers from Central FL ;)

[@andychapman5217]

Great video man i love your effots to show us what to expect also does the thermostat sit the same way for the mk5 golf vr6

[@geoffreyolson9720]

Thanks, my coworker ended up getting this job at my shop. He ended up yanking the manifold off to do the pipe. Idk if that option would have been faster than front end removal and we had to get him gaskets

[@50sKid]

Great lighting

[@ayitsyaboi]

Yeah, no shit. I wish I had this kind of light working on my own stuff.

[@RedondoBeach2]

Charles, when replacing the thermostat, thermostat housing and coolant pipe, I'm considering doing everything you did in this video but doing one step in a slightly different order. Instead of flushing the cooling system after replacing all the components, I'm thinking about draining the cooling system, flushing with distilled water, then draining the system again, before removing all of the components. The thinking is that once all of the hoses are removed after a flush, and all components are re-placed, there should be more certainty about ending up with a proper 50/50 mixture of coolant and distilled water in the system. The concern about doing the flush at the end is that a potentially significant amount of residual water from the flush could still be in the system. As a result, when the final 50/50 mixture of coolant/distilled-water are added, the residual water in the system used for the flush, will result result in a greater than 50% ratio of water to coolant. Thoughts?

[@HumbleMechanic]

Sounds like a great plan! Odds are one flush won’t get everything. Especially if it’s heavily contaminated. But I like your plan

[@CuteEvie]

I'm gonna go ahead and watch these videos all day. Don't even own a VW.

[@HumbleMechanic]

LOL, thank you so much for that.

[@davidstender7446]

Hey Charles big fan! You mentioned if the thermostat was oriented one direction it could cause over heating ? Can you confirm you’ve seen this before. Just bought another VR6 with similar issues and the previous owner said he replaced the thermostat… maybe they put it in with the bleeder opposite?! Just wondering before I rip it all apart

[@ledemo0922]

I recently had to do the same on my 04 gti with the addition of replacing the water pump. big job, started with o-rings of the ect sensor and plug, still leaked. Replaced the thermostat housing and the coolant pipe, still leaked. Lastly, the water pump, no more leak. luckily I hooked all my hoses first, added water and did a pressure test after replacing the rongs first before putting back the front end otherwise it would've been three times the work

[@AndyNolan]

I anxiously wonder all this time ago, IF it was indeed the correct orientation of the thermostat in the housing?

[@MrWoowootila]

I need to do this job in the next couple of months. I was wondering if it would be easier to access the crack pipe if you take the intake manifold off? My car has about 110k miles and one on my injectors is giving me a misfire and was thinking about sending them out and having them cleaned. I think I have to remove the upper intake manifold to do this. I was thinking about doing the injectors and crack pipe at the same time and taking the upper intake manifold might make this job easier. I have a 2001 GTI VR6.

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Johnny Woo It will prpbaly be about the same amount of work with the front off, or the intake off.

[@MrWoowootila]

Thanks

[@carpentarhartley8624]

Removing coilpack made the blind bolt super easy to see

[@carpentarhartley8624]

Your patience level is way better than mine, was given a b4 passat sat for 10 years 70k on it w same powerplant, but all plastics are being super problematic. 😣

[@errlybird720]

thank you very much for your video. my crack pipe was very hard to get out, had to use pliers and steady pressure for over an hour, it juts kept breaking off pieces, finally it gave way. the valve in the middle of the coolant pipe broke off with hardly any pressure, glad i did this! i ended up using gruvenparts.com aluminum pipe and thermostat housing, so ill never be doing that again. also replaced the radiator with a mishimoto all alluminum. no more plastic in the cooling system, and all lines are samco silicone, so that should prevent any cooling issues any time soon.

[@RAA12586]

In the process of doing this, you just pointed out those sai allen bolts I couldn't find thanks, deleting the system.

[@aubreybush5287]

Having a hard time getting crack pipe into the block any recommendations on how to remove the crusty rust or whatever is blocking the crack pipe from staying in the block?

[@arturodiaz3035]

I just had an incident with my vr6 jetta, now Im thinking about doing aluminum pipe and flange, would you recomend stick to stock (plastic) Or aluminum? Please I need professional feedback..

[@stevenharpervw]

Brilliant video Charles

[@maveric0738]

I miss my Drivers Edition Ginster yellow VR6. I now have my MKIV R32. I'm the original owner and still own and still puts a huge smile on my face. Charles. Could you point me in the right direction with this issue that I have? Issue is when I pull forward on the wiper stalk the washer fluid will start shooting from the rear...and the wiper arm no longer functions. So when I push forward on the wiper arm the fluid still shoots from the rear which works correctly. But the arm will not work. I replaced the wiper switch stalk. But problem still remains. Any thoughts? Thanks you Laz

[@maveric0738]

+john doe how can they be crossed since I have never touched them in last 12 years of ownership?? That can't be.

[@HumbleMechanic]

You are totally screwed man. Only thing you can do is give your R32 to me. Hahahha. It is most likely a bad pump. If you have a test light, you can be sure you are getting power on the wire for the pump to pump at the front.

[@maveric0738]

+john doe yes both front arms do work. Thank you for your input John.

[@maveric0738]

+HumbleMechanic +HumbleMechanic lol good one Charles lol. Not in a million years. I'm going to follow the wire. Hopefully it's a fuse lol

[@maveric0738]

+Larkhill21 It possibly could be. I am getting power there. I'll have to take everything apart and exam it again. But for now. Transmission is my main concern! 😞

[@evandrocaetanomaciel8832]

Agora nos Eua em cada esquina que andar, tem lojas com todas as peças disponíveis para o Passat VR6. Estou procurando o Kit de mangueiras para o meu.

[@dutchmaninpa]

Love your channel... I wish they would make a metal coolant flange for the mk3 aba,I'm sick and tired of wasting my money on that thing every year. Also,some sort of mechanic at the stealership here I used 2 years ago decided to reverse my rear shock rubbers so now my topnut won't come off and I don't have airtools,yes I also have rot on my floor and rockers and the dreadful blend doors,which is so easy to do if you are as patient as me,I love that little mk3 though. Peter

[@HumbleMechanic]

+sheilaljr I will pass that along to Mike and the boys at @eurowise.

[@patricksmith6253]

I'm picking up a b4 Passat with the vr6. I'm really hoping these videos will transfer over 😅

[@dinoj61]

I have a 96 b4 vr6, got it about a year ago, how are you liking yours? Mine flys on the road 😂 super fun car.

[@millhouse313]

Any chance you have ever done, or will do a tutorial like only the humble mechanic can, on and 2.0T FSI?

[@DucMike1]

Nice (?) to see I wasn’t the only one that had to fight my crossover pipe. Took literally forever to get it loose and I had to strip the front of my ‘96 down to the same extent to get to that and pulled the secondary air pump to get to the two cooler hoses (one of which parting ways with the crossover pipe was the reason for changing it out in the first place). One minor issue that I am hoping is not a dealbreaker was once I had everything buttoned, up I found a second o-ring from the crossover pipe on the ground. At that point, I realized that what I thought was simply a little buildup inside the block was actually the very end of the pipe that had broken loose while I was pulling it out. I’m not though it did seem a little difficult, I was actually able to get the new aluminum crossover pipe in place and everything bolted up as normal. Hoping that the 3mm of plastic isn’t keeping the pipe from sealing into the block. Time will tell since I ran out of day before filling the system & finishing the refastening of everything. Fingers crossed...

[@HumbleMechanic]

Funny because on my mk4 it came right out. Lol

[@DucMike1]

My ‘96 shed it’s impeller many moons ago & I’m sure it cooked in pretty well. I was young & naïve back then and did not change out the pipe due to the pain in the butt status. Only took me 10 years to realize the foolishness of that path. You should see how clean the break was where the cooler line attached…

[@tomblair1220]

I bought jetta with a water leak, my coolant pipe was damaged, I took the entire front off to find the leak. This helped me, I couldn't find the 3rd bolt holding it together.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Awesome

[@jesdiaz11]

19:40 so question is that really how the jiggle valve goes!!!?? did it hold up fine with out over heating ?

[@manuelavila7125]

+humble mechanic I did this on my 2000 golf VR6 take me more than 2 hrs to do it and I feel good when I get the job done

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Manuel Avila nice!!!

[@manuelavila7125]

Thank you for sharing all your experience thanks to you we can fix our own cars

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Manuel Avila AWESOME!!!!!

[@hiemabedrog]

Hi, what does the yellow or blue ring represent on the 4 pin CTS mean, not specifically on the mk3 VR6, that have a yellow ring, black sensor for ecu, and a blue color, no ring, 2 pin and a brown color no ring for air-conditioned 2nd stage fans. Very confusing.

[@jasongrim500]

I have done the change and also changed thermostat and heater core and my mk3 glx does not give heat when I'm driving when it's really cold out

[@tylerbeard4092]

Jason Grim is your water pump noisy? If it is it might need replaced. Could also be your radiator. Is the car leaking coolant? First thing Have someone do a pressure test to find any leaks.

[@MrMathijs87]

Usually, the little valve in the thermostat is a bleeder valve for air, so (if the thermostat is upright, which is this case it is not as I see it) the valve must be a the top.. Air always stay's in the highest point in the system, that's why the expansion bottle is the highest point.. Also, there are cars that have little air bleed valves in the coolant lines to, you guessed it, bleed out air...

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thanks for the info! :)

[@tony4metallicaify]

HumbleMechanic hey buddy I need the same ero kit you have I tried clicking on the link you have but said not found any idea why.

[@JohnDobak]

Why start draining coolant from the top? Why not use the drain at the bottom of the radiator? Or the lower radiator hose?

[@StezzyTailsz]

Any good websites to buy the flange? Or would I be able to go to my local auto store and order one? Need one asap! My flange broke from within and leaking all the coolant.. HELP!

[@GarthGoldberg]

So I guess you found that 10mm socket that hung up on the bracket bolt?

[@cowlumbus]

Any idea if 3.6 L in my 2008 Touareg has the plastic hosing issue too? We smell coolant on pass. Side near wheel well but no loss of fluid or symptoms.

[@joseguillen2055]

Do these cars have a secondary water pump and if so where is it? I have a 03 vr6 24 valve

[@christophersnyder4354]

hey humble, was wondering how did you get the pipe out? I'm doing my mk5 r32 and I'm still can't remove the coolant pipe. don't want to pull to hard and damage something. any advice my friend? anything would greatly help. thank you and keep up the great vids.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Try twisting it. Sometimes they are way jammed in there

[@christophersnyder4354]

@@HumbleMechanic worked! thank you for your help, now your busy. can't wait for the turbo build.

[@Eurospec73]

Also I noticed you had orange coolant in there. That definitely does not seem like the right coolant. Shouldn't these 12 valve VR6's be running Pentecost NF coolant which is the blue one? I believe that was OEM from 92 to 94 for these VR6 engines.

[@kwmiked]

hi. just bought a 01 jetta vr6, I see thermostat housing has a drip when it's parked in garage. Well since tstat housing is attached to coolant pipe I might as well do both while I'm in there!??? No? Ok well where do I buy the parts from??? My Vw dealer local wants around 345$ for pipe, housing, tstat, and a few orings. I see online it's around 100$ from ECS tuning or something END when I Google tstat housing. should I try they're kit for around the 100$ That comes with everything I need to do pipe and housing? Thanks! Please Help! Don't wanna do this job to have to do it over again cause of junk parts 2 months later! Thanks

[@panzerveps]

My tip for not losing the bolt is to fold some tissue paper and press it into the bolt with the socket. Works 110% of the time, and you don't get silicone all over your tools.

[@HumbleMechanic]

+panzerveps Great idea

[@panzerveps]

+HumbleMechanic A lot easier to get the bolts on the oil pan back in that way.. Especially on the 3B Passat (B5). The ones in the clutch housing can be a pain in a certain lower back area.

[@walterfish2]

Excellent. Question: vw dealership in Atlanta wants 342.00 for a new thermostat, non vw sources want from 9 to 15 bucks? What am I missing? She's a 2003 Eurovan MV......

[@Scouty208]

Do the non vw sources have that jiggle valve on it? I've noticed that the cheaper parts usually don't include that.

[@mduwhite8177]

Hey how are you humble machenic what happens if you have A bad ect

[@murraydupley9330]

2000 jetta what temp is the thermostat i drive my vr6 hard and in -40 C/F sometimes

[@printhelloworld7218]

Is this something that should be covered under a power train warranty?

[@HumbleMechanic]

It depend on how it fails. It should be in my opinion

[@mileschacon6926]

Are those oem gaskets?

[@ChaseHollandProductions]

Just a quick question where is the auxiliary water pump located on the 12v VR6 I can’t seem to find any info online

[@HumbleMechanic]

Near the barrel connector on the top driver side of the engine

[@ChaseHollandProductions]

HumbleMechanic thanks! Just bought myself another Mkiv 12V VR6 for 500$ she needs some work but it’s got a built head and new timing setup hoping she’ll rip soon🤘🏻

[@Ekorslk]

I go so scared at 11:53 with the loud music haha

[@ryanbishop2017]

That f'n clamp on the coolant pipe dude I feel your pain. I'm in a 97 glx and I'm stuck at the moment. I upgraded to a steel pipe and can't get it to seal on 1 side or the other.

[@ryanbishop2017]

I had the coolant pipe in 30 minutes but can't get the new pipe to seal

[@patricklear5736]

I would liKe to no where to find coolant temp sensors I have basically car tore apart six time it keeps leaking because got to keep using old sensors could somebody let me know where I can get the other sensors at thank you

[@tylerlappa7356]

What do you lubricate the crack pipe o rings with? Did this to my car and didn't lubricate the side that goes to the tstat housing and now it leaks bad

[@HumbleMechanic]

I use dielectric grease

[@EtaBeta-qr1oi]

Thanks 🙏

[@larryshields5224]

What's the difference in the meaning on the sensors

[@Cole_Brooks]

Dang, wish eurowise still made that kit. Nobody really makes a nice metal housing for these anymore

[@HumbleMechanic]

Oh no! I didn’t realize they stopped making them

[@R32vw]

Can i ask why you didnt get the billet one from gruven instead? the crack pipe

[@HumbleMechanic]

My local tuning shop had this one in stock. It's a great metal pipe and the fitment is top notch.

[@R32vw]

sweet!

[@freshkleensucks]

HumbleMechanic that’s great to hear! I’m struggling getting my Eurowise housing to line up and it’s probably due to the ECS pipe hitting the block as well as the BFI one it looks to be the same! I stripped the shortest bolt hole due to the alignment issue. Would you say a longer bolt would work? Or am I looking at having to spend money on a Heli-Coil? I want my VRT back on the road lol

[@beardwrench]

I could have used this video 6 years ago when I had to do mine, I ended up removing my oil filter housing to access the hose in the middle of the pipe on my 95 GTI MKIII

[@beardwrench]

As a side note I used a kit I got from germanautoparts.com that used a plastic thermostat housing and a aluminum pipe

[@MrCROBosanceros]

Plastic thermostat housing?I'm almost 52 years old,and lately having itch to get some two doors VW.I still miss my 1978.,1.6 Liters VW Rabbit.I like MK7.Yesterday I watched the other guy is replacing original plastic,yes plastic oil pan on MK7.Is this some kind of new trend with VW?What is next,plastic bolts?Plastic engine mounts?I think,i will stick with my boring,10 years old Corolla that doesn't cost me anything but basic maintenance,or I will buy brand new Corolla.

[@theblackmambaplague]

Subscribed!!!!

[@MrCROBosanceros]

Is that actual color of VW coolant,or just water full of rust?Just asking.Different manufacturers,use different color.Toyota is pink,Mazda is green.

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Broj 1 I just used water to fill. But it should be pink/purple

[@dhonnoll78]

HELP!!! I have this same problem but with an 04 Touareg. I want to do the alloy or aluminum upgrade on the housing and the water pipe. I believe mine is different 2 sensors instead of 3. I found a kit for an MK4 but I believe the hose connector over the thermostat it's self is angled on the MK4 and mine I THINK is streight. Can someone help me please?

[@dhonnoll78]

Any particular tricks I need to know to get to this in the Touareg? Dealership says pull the engine. I call bologna. The smaller screw seems a bit of a pain as well as the lower hose other than that seems pretty uncomplicated. Hours of swear words and hose pulling. But does that sound right?

[@Luistorres-wm4kb]

Does anyone know if the secondary air pump can be eliminated? Or its very important to have it?

[@tylerbeard4092]

Luis torres you will need it for a Daily Driver

[@billyp.7889]

Any reason; you didn't upgrade the "crack pipe" with a aftermarket metal version (since you are upgrading the new flange to metal as well)? Gruvenparts: "ultimate crack pipe": www.gruvenparts.com/the-ultimate-crackpipe-all-vr6/ Also, it looks like you replaced; the little coolant flange with the small hose angled "Y" pipe with a metal one? www.gruvenparts.com/y-pipe-for-vr6-rad-hose/ Lastly, do you ever use a vacuum coolant filler tool at work; I use the UView Airlift and it eliminates all the air pockets in quickly.

[@nicfleck3213]

Is the 12v vr6 in the mk3 the same as the mk4?

[@HumbleMechanic]

The engine is, some of the things bolted to it are different like the intake manifold. but the MK4 also has the 24v too

[@milolll]

old metal sensor clips are stronger than the new plastic ones.

[@My_man_G_UK]

#humblemechanic. How hard is the Draft 42 pipe to fit coz im having a mare of a time and losing moor blood than developing 🤬🤬😂😂

[@sanakiyamam1987]

man you have in the us metal version for mk4 vr6 thermostat housing. we don‘t have it in germany. plastic always breaks and you have to replace it. that‘s what i hate ;-(

[@HumbleMechanic]

I’m sure Eurowise will ship to ya.

[@sanakiyamam1987]

HumbleMechanic i‘ve already bought the plastic one. i will try next time when i have the money. i think i will contact them

[@krazykagaaro1932]

How do you tell if it’s a 12v or 24v?

[@owendevaney9582]

The year typically but your engine code should too mk3s are usually 12v mk4 is 24v

[@tylerbeard4092]

My 2000 VR6 GTI is 12v..... The 24v is used after 2002

[@acidbath666]

LOL. Now I don't feel so bad. I had to replace the thermostat on my MKV GTI, and I put a total of about 10-12 hours into it. It would of saved me SOOOO much trouble if I just took the front end off, and ripped in intake manifold off to give me access to it. I was tinkering with it 1-2 hours at a time over the course of a few weekends because it was so frustrating. MEHHHHHHH

[@MrErikw26]

and a few cold beers...unless you're at work...

[@nicholaselias8542]

I use a dab of plumbers putty if I have to run a bolt in blind. Worked very well when I was changing motor mounts on a mercedes S550. There was 1 bolt for the hear shield that was a bitch to access

[@nicholaselias8542]

Also how long did it take to Remobe the front end. If it takes 15minutes or less I'd say totally worth doing everytime.to save headaches

[@bkretschmann90]

+nicholas elias if you've done it at least once I'd say 1 hour if your good. Took me about 2 hours working in a storage unit with very basic tools and a small 2 ton jack and two jack stands. There's a lot of little steps but it's not hard.

[@errlybird720]

about 20 minutes if you know what you are doing

[@brandonfoss9445]

I hate the smell of vw coolant

[@Scouty208]

But it smells so sweet

[@AppleJack1997]

You know what's even more fun? Doing this on a EuroVan...

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Jack Rosenfeld I dont really mind working on Eurovans. It is funny to see the other guys run away from them.

[@AppleJack1997]

Haha. Yeah I mean once you pull the front off they're pretty easy to deal with. I'm about to pull the tranny on mine to do the chains. Where are you based by the way?

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Jack Rosenfeld Near Raleigh NC.

[@AppleJack1997]

Nice

[@MohamedlyMohamedly]

عندي مرسيدس فيتو محرك VR6 فيه عطل في البوجهات لا تعمل لا تخرج شراره

[@dhonnoll78]

Thermostat housing is ALMOST removed I need to disconnect that lower hose on the thermostat housing How? Hose clamp is on top. Tired vise grips, tried a c-clamp. I may try a piece of wire and tighten with a pair of pliers I am at my witts end removing the lower hose clamp to get this thermostat housing out.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Take the flange off, then remove the hose from it.

[@bkretschmann90]

I just wanna add to this video information. If you plan on putting in a cast aluminum Crack pipe, make sure it is made to OEM dimensions of the original plastic pipe. If you don't the pipe will hit on the engine block and not allow the thermostat housing to sit flat against the head. Check out my page and videos regarding this issue.

[@freshkleensucks]

There’s no videos on your page, I’m running into the fitment issue currently. I tried both the ECS & what looks like the ECS metal crack pipes. Both hit the block and don’t let the short screw line up with the thermostat housing! I actually stripped the hole in the head because of it! Still haven’t finished the repair and I’m stuck lol

[@carpentarhartley8624]

Note passat is slightly different

[@flattabang]

Damn, is that really a normal color of coolant?

[@HumbleMechanic]

Purple/pink is normal on the newer VWs. Older ones used blue (g11)

[@flattabang]

@@HumbleMechanic Yeah thought as much, have the blue one in my MK3 :) Your videos has been a great deal of help for me through my turbo build. Keep up the good work!

[@HumbleMechanic]

awesome!

[@elmecanico4943]

working on these vehicles its a nightmare. Also, the fact that some of these parts are made of plastic, instead of metal. So the chance of performing a long lasting repair are slim, most likely exesive heat, humidity, and other factors will make your new part hard and brittle and will brake again. Thats the problem with these german cars. I think i will stick with toyota or honda, or subaru.

[@dieseld4281]

I did that job on my car. Was not fun at all. Pretty sure u would not be able to get the pipe out with out taking the front end off.

[@dhonnoll78]

FINALLY GOT IT!!!! So the creative solution to getting the bottom hose off when dealing with tis issue on the Touareg is to use a smal 1.5 inch C-Clamp on the hose clamp. Check out the small vid on that hardest most knuckle busting part. kzbin.info/www/bejne/moLaqJhmpZaKbbs

[@antoniodelpilarrodriguez8075]

👍👍❤❤❤😍😍😍💪💪💪👍👍👍

[@No-ph6tc]

How the hell do you remember everything you've disconnected/unplugged/unmounted when you go to put it all back together?

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Pickle Rick lol years of experience, trial and error, a little luck, and good documentation

[@CaliNinerGaming]

Can this be applied to a 2001 2.8L VR6?

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Nor Cal yep.

[@CaliNinerGaming]

HumbleMechanic okay cool I'll save the video then, I have to replace all that as well so this is a big help. Thank you

[@HumbleMechanic]

You may find a few small things different, but you will be able to over come that no probs

[@CaliNinerGaming]

HumbleMechanic I thought so, but as far as location/work it should be the same?

[@Scouty208]

@@CaliNinerGaming There's a few other videos on youtube too with newer vr6s (I think 2003) that might line up more for your car.