Thermostat change on AGU 1.8t

[Gti5382]

Need to change the engine stat on my 99 gti turbo. I have the new parts inc housing and I can see it is hard to get at but I am reasonably competent if not double jointed!

There seems to be different ways of doing this job, some say you can leave alternator in, others say take off belt tensioner and alternator. Some say work from above but I have seen others saying work up from below esp as lower bolt is hard to get at. I think it will be a fiddle job with the alternator in place.

What is the consensus?

If I do take alternator out how do I un tension belt? Is it a case of renMoving the tensioner unit by removing the 3 bolts that locate it at its top?

Appreciate any help here. Many thanks,

Steve

[Screech16v]

I changed mine with everything in situ and from above ,1/4 drive socket set is all that's required.

[WadGTI]

Yeah as  the above answer. No need to remove the altnator other taking the plug out for it which helped me with access.

Just be patient when taking the screws out of the thermostat housing. Once there are both out, its simples.

Best to have a magnet handy too as I dropped one of the bolts inbetween the alt and power steering pump.

[gm8]

as said above , nothing removed here. allen keys with a ball style end make it easier

[Gti5382]

Thanks very much everyone, did stat with little trouble and bit of patience. Bought new bolts from VW  as suspected I woud drop one of the originals into a hard to get at engine recess, sure enough managed that. So I recommend two new, spare bolts for such cock ups! Old school L shaped 5mm allen key is handy to get bottom bolt in.

[D1andonlyantman]

I'm doing mine tomorrow. First mechanical thing I've done to this or any car. Wish me luck