1.6 turbo diesel thermostat replacement

[scrounger]

My 86 jetta doesn't put out much heat and I want to replace my thermostat. The temp gauge goes up to about a 1/3 and is lower since the weather has cooled off.

I think I see the thermostat housing near the center of the front of the engine. Any special tricks to get it off. What temp thermostat should be in there? I want to replace it while I have it apart.

TIA

[jb86]

Use oem brand
I think mines Wahler or something
I buy from German Autoparts
Around 180 degrees
Make sure to get the O ring
Bottom of water pump housing, the lower radiator hose connects to a black plastic elbow
Take out the 2 - 10mm head bolts
Over a gallon of coolant will come out
The thermostat is held in by a rubber o ring
Replace as it comes out
Snug up the bolts and re fill coolant

[scrounger]

Thanks

[burn_your_money]

You'll have to take off the PS pump (or pivot it out of the way) to get to the thermostat housing. Lots of coolant will come out when you take the lower rad hose off, and even more will come out when you take the thermostat out. Watch your eyes.

You should back flush the heater core while you are in there as well. I'd probably do that first because it is a lot easier and might really be your problem.

[scrounger]

If it is easier to back flush the heater core. Perhaps I could do that.

Could I pull a couple of lines from the firewall and flush it.....?

[jb86]

Easy to reach the lines on the heater core - 1 in 1 out
If that's what you want to do

[R.O.R-2.0]

If it is easier to back flush the heater core. Perhaps I could do that.

Could I pull a couple of lines from the firewall and flush it.....?

if the t-stat aint working good, then the heater will NEVER work good.

[ORCoaster]

Once he flushes the heater core and gets the t-stat changed out he will be able to slow roast a chicken in there as he drives.  Look ma I brought dinner for Christmas.