MK4 VW 1.8t Thermostat and Housing Replacement

[@JohnSmith-gu3ub]

I did this repair recently after watching this video. I did it without removing the vacuum lines from the bracket. I was able to hold the bracket back with a zip tie and access the bolts with an extention and u-joint.

[@StevesGarage]

That's great! Easy enough to zip tie it out of the way and not have to remove it.

[@mariojimenez6125]

Thanks man I watched your video and a few more on KZbin before I went for it and I successfully managed to replace my VW GTI’s thermostat, thank you very much.

[@StevesGarage]

Nice! It's not a bad job once you get access to it. Cheers to a properly running car!

[@superdave19855]

I would add that for peace of mind, it doesn't hurt to use some Permatex Water Pump/Thermostat sealant and place a *THIN* layer on the mating surface where the flange meets the block. It just acts basically as another layer to help seal and as back-up for when the o-ring starts to leak. Again, not required, but I did for my water pump as well just as an extra precaution.

[@StevesGarage]

It's not really necessary if the installation doesn't call for it. In fact it can cause more harm than good if it ends up pushing out into your cooling system. The o-rings on both the water pump and thermostat housing should seal fine.

[@scottish-atechreviews]

Nice thanks for the information I’m going to attempt this soon 👌 just a question about bleeding air there no other bleeding valves to open or that just the top cap?

[@StevesGarage]

Nope! It's super easy to bleed systems with the expansion tank. The worst part about this just is just the location of things, otherwise it's pretty simple!

[@JonKinzinger]

Great vid thanks

[@StevesGarage]

You're welcome, thanks for the comment!

[@jonathanyates8414]

Great video

[@StevesGarage]

Thank you!

[@benjaminnarbut8994]

I didnt even think of this way the way I did was I took the alternator off 🤣🤣

[@StevesGarage]

Definitely a couple different ways to go about it! I'm sure removing the alternator makes it a lot easier to access, but I don't like removing the alternator so I found another way.

[@benjaminnarbut8994]

@@StevesGarage yeah mine wasn’t cracked either just seeping from the worn o ring but I put a metal one FCP

[@StevesGarage]

@@benjaminnarbut8994 Perfect replacement!

[@benjaminnarbut8994]

@@StevesGarage Next job is the timing belt

[@StevesGarage]

@@benjaminnarbut8994Definitely not something you want to put off! I did mine before I had the YT channel, but I'll be needing to do it again. This time I'll be sure to film a video.

[@netoal2378]

I have a coolant leak cant tell where its from, ive replaced the thermostat housing not that long, could it be the water pump it has a metal one i replaced a few years back, stomped, its a good leak down the front of the oil pan

[@StevesGarage]

This is tough without being able to see it in person. Being down the front of the oil pan, I doubt it's the water pump - if it were that you'd see a leak on the passenger side area. It could be your coolant hard pipe or any number of hoses. I'd trace all the coolant lines and see if you can find a trail of coolant from somewhere.

[@netoal2378]

@@StevesGarage will keep looking around,thanks.

[@NectarineC]

Is this the same for the MKIV TDi?

[@StevesGarage]

I've never worked on one, but judging by the photos I've found it looks similar, but not 100% the same.