2008 vw jetta low temperature on gauge

[Umai Naa!!]

Yeah, that'd be applicable to the BVY.

Once you fish the alternator out, it's fairly simple. It doesn't look like it fits out the hole, but you can rotate it into a postion where it'll come right out.

I don't take the manifold off, mostly because it's a pain, and there's stuff like breather pipes and dipstick tubes that break if you so much as look at them funny.

[MEL744]

Perfect, thanks! Good to hear it's not necessary to remove the manifold, will report back my experiences once its done. Going to try to reuse the coolant since it was changed when I had the timing belt done, or is this not advisable?

[Umai Naa!!]

As long as you can avoid contamination you'll be ok.

[MEL744]

Went to VW to get the thermostat today, going to fit tomorrow. Just wondering if anyone knows the torque specs for the thermostat housing?

EDIT: Just checked Haynes manual again and sure enough it was there. 15nm

[MEL744]

Tried it today, turned to an absolute disaster. Couldn't work out how to get the alternator out without removing the intake manifold. Ended up breaking a purple electrical connector that was attached to the alternator, as well as a PCV pipe and the dipstick tube. Managed to get the new thermostat in but now I can't get the lower coolant hose to connect properly. At the point where ideally I'd like a mobile mechanic to come put it back together. Can anyone recommend someone in south east Melbourne that would be able to help out?

Cheers

[s900t8v]

It's a real piece of a job. I really want to swear to describe it accurately.

I struggled but luckily didn't break anything. I didn't remove the manifold just listed it up.

Regarding the plug you broke on the alternator it's probably just the brush pack regulator plug - you can just buy a new brush pack on eBay for 13 dollars.

[MEL744]

I agree, managed to get it back together after $190 on parts and more coolant. Luckily the prongs of the connector didn't break off so it was possible to simply glue the plastic socket back on and plug it back in. A word of warning to anyone attempting this, work out what you are going to do about the hose clamps that connect the plastic intake manifold onto the block. They are called Clic clamps and are easy enough to take off, but unless you have the special pliers they are extremely difficult to get back on using a set of needle nose pliers and a screwdriver (I spent many hours on them).

[s900t8v]

Dude those clips are effed. What A POS JOB

[whichonetoget]

I’m having similar issues with the temp never getting close to 90 unless idling in traffic.

How much will I be up for to replace the thermostat at an indy specialist?

I’m planning a 2000km road trip soon, so considering whether to replace it now or wait until my next service. I feel that my fuel economy could be suffering as it’s almost as bad as my M3!

[Umai Naa!!]

Shoot me a PM with some details, and I'll quote it up for you if you like?