MK3 VR6 - why do you need to remove the front of the car to replace the crack pipe?

[urban]

Hi all, I bought a vr6 a couple of weeks ago. The crack pipe is cactus and needs to be replaced. Could someone tell me why i need to pull the front of the car off? Looks like there's enough room to access it from the top but i could be wrong.

Also how can i tell which one to buy? Mines 1996 mk3 golf vr6 4 door.
Water Pipe Kit - 70° Thermostat
Water Pipe Kit - 80deg
Water Pipe Kit - No Thermostat

[Umai Naa!!]

You can replace it with the front on.

Use plenty of silicone spray on the new o-rings to ensure a proper fit.

[urban]

i think i found my answer to my other question:

10 degrees C...the cooler(lower temp) one is more appropriate for racing conditions, use it in a daily driver and the ecu ends up dumping more fuel into the engine because it thinks the engine isn't warm(assuming you also get the lower temp sensor as well)...I had it and after a few months swapped it back out for the standard thermo, as a bonus the exhaust tips weren't as black and covered in soot

[vdubin]

Hi all, I bought a vr6 a couple of weeks ago. The crack pipe is cactus and needs to be replaced. Could someone tell me why i need to pull the front of the car off? Looks like there's enough room to access it from the top but i could be wrong.

Are you just wanting the Crack pipe ?
I just replaced mine with an aluminium one MUCH better option.
As for taking the hole front off Theres no need, We did lossen all the bolts and shifted the front out a little more for easier access

[karjadi15]

Sorry to relive this thread again but I have a question. If only the crack pipe is leaking and I have the replacement parts for it, would I still have to remove the Thermostat to get to the crack pipe? If I remove the thermostat, are there gaskets and o ring seals I gotta replace meaning to replace the crack pipe i gotta replace the thermostat as well?

Cheers

[SpeciP3]

No, you won't need to remove the thermostat housing (or thermostat) to get the coolant pipe off, just undo two front access bolts on section of pipe that joins to housing (replace this too) and pull out to get off pipe.
As mentioned above make sure you replace o rings on new pipe and wet to allow good fit into block. Would also be a good idea to replace thermostat and check condition of switches located in housing, simply to save dumping coolant again and part is cheap.
Don't forget to check the condition of your water pump whilst you are at it, it's actually also quite a cheap replacement part.
Hope this helps..