How To: VR6 Thermostat Housing Replacment

[Neil L. 0]

OK just discovered coolant leak (quite bad!) from this thermostat housing area of the engine - hard to see exactly where but its from this area.

Im gonna get my local garage (who specialises in VW) to do the work as its hard to find the time and i hav'nt got use of a readiliy available vehicle to get parts i might need once its all stripped down!

I would like to know is it better to pick up the parts myself first - the lower temp termo(awesome gti - but WHICH model?), perhaps replace sensors (how much?), perhaps replace the thermo housing(2 pieces how much?). Whereas these parts might not need replacing, it will give me piece of mind and know that the mechanic hasnt cut corners and neglected to replace potentially damaged items.

[mic_VR 3]

OK just discovered coolant leak (quite bad!) from this thermostat housing area of the engine - hard to see exactly where but its from this area.

Im gonna get my local garage (who specialises in VW) to do the work as its hard to find the time and i hav'nt got use of a readiliy available vehicle to get parts i might need once its all stripped down!

I would like to know is it better to pick up the parts myself first - the lower temp termo(awesome gti - but WHICH model?), perhaps replace sensors (how much?), perhaps replace the thermo housing(2 pieces how much?). Whereas these parts might not need replacing, it will give me piece of mind and know that the mechanic hasnt cut corners and neglected to replace potentially damaged items.

 

Hi Neil, you don't say what model you've got? But anyway I'd be tempted to change the thermostat housing (especially the main parts) as these could now be over 12 years old at least, are are made of fairly rubbish plastics, obviously getting all new seals. As for the sensors, I could be worth doing your blue temp sensor as if this goes it can have a big effect on your fuelling and running. As for the other sensors, its all down to whether you think they are working ok at the moment?

 

Thermostat is usually worth doing but some people have complained recently that the ones from VW don't open as far as they used to and therefore can cause over heating, but the other side of this is that if you use a low temp one from somewhere like Awesome you might find it can run a little too cold. Especially the VR6. I never changed my thermostat when I did my housing because I never had (and still haven't) any overheating issues so thought i'd stick with the one I had.

 

As you buying the parts to make sure your mechanic fits them, well I hate to be the sceptic but unless you actually get in there and do the job yourself you can never guarantee that they've used the parts you've given them...... but maybe this is just based on my own experiences with some garages. :lol:

[Jon_vr6 1]

Part numbers ??

[mic_VR 3]

I'll dig them out for you and post them up

[Jon_vr6 1]

cheers fella i dont need the themostat as its a new one just the housing gaskets, o-rings etc! No rush wont get to the stealers till prob mid week anyway!

[herisites 0]

cheers fella i dont need the themostat as its a new one just the housing gaskets, o-rings etc! No rush wont get to the stealers till prob mid week anyway!

 

You wont need the part numbers for the o-rings, they will order all that with the housing as they are necessary. I didnt have any part numbers.

[Jon_vr6 1]

So basically just ask for the full thermostat housing and they should order the whole lot??

[herisites 0]

So basically just ask for the full thermostat housing and they should order the whole lot??

 

Yeah they did with me, like isaid before just make sure you tell them you want the whole housing not just the bit that attaches to the crack pipe, it might of just been the guy at my local vw was thick as he only ordered the small bit. Its in 2 parts anyway, the large housing and the end bit that goes on to the crack pipe, so you cant get the wrong part really and they will definately order all the O-rings you need, tell them just in case though but they should definately order the o-rings as well.

[Jon_vr6 1]

great cheers again!

[gogsboy 0]

Hi Neil, you don't say what model you've got? But anyway I'd be tempted to change the thermostat housing (especially the main parts) as these could now be over 12 years old at least, are are made of fairly rubbish plastics, obviously getting all new seals. As for the sensors, I could be worth doing your blue temp sensor as if this goes it can have a big effect on your fuelling and running. As for the other sensors, its all down to whether you think they are working ok at the moment?

 

Thermostat is usually worth doing but some people have complained recently that the ones from VW don't open as far as they used to and therefore can cause over heating, but the other side of this is that if you use a low temp one from somewhere like Awesome you might find it can run a little too cold. Especially the VR6. I never changed my thermostat when I did my housing because I never had (and still haven't) any overheating issues so thought i'd stick with the one I had.

 

As you buying the parts to make sure your mechanic fits them, well I hate to be the sceptic but unless you actually get in there and do the job yourself you can never guarantee that they've used the parts you've given them...... but maybe this is just based on my own experiences with some garages. :lol:

 

Have had a VR6 for about a year now and hardly clocked any miles on it as has this leak and havent been around much to even attempt tp get it sorted.

 

Mixed opinions on it all, some say HG, some housing.

 

I did order new housing etc from VW but like with other people they only gave me part of it.

 

Anyway have read about these low temp stats, but was advised against them and also read some vr6 ones have been faulty...so was advised to use one for an r32..anyone comment on this?

 

With regards to the cars behaviour since have owned it, the temperature doesn't seem to get upto much whilst continuous driving, seems to take an age for the guage to move at all from cold, what is this sort of behaviour usually associated with?

 

Often sits at 75 when driving all time but soon rockets upto 100-110 is sat in traffic.

 

Sometimes it leaks, sometimes it doesnt, sometimes you park up and no visible leak but if you look back after shutdown then its lost quite a bit of water.

[Jon_vr6 1]

Seems like themo housing to me!! You getting any mixing of the oil and water atall main sign of HG failure ??

[mic_VR 3]

I agree, thermo housing or a seal. Squeeze the top rad hose and watch for any liquid leaking from around the housing.

The housing is only one part so if thats what you asked for from VW it might be right. The other piece that everyone goes on about is a thermostat elbow and should only be a couple of quid, if it needs changing.

 

Not heard about the R32 thermostat but i'd be interested to see if its a good mod?

 

As for the taking ages to warm up, I#m afraid that is just a trait of the VR6. They all do it, and they all get warm when stuck in traffic. Its when it doesn't return to normal when you're up and moving again that you want to worry.

[Neil L. 0]

Right have been to VW for replacement parts for my leaky thermo housing and cost me £97.65 :shock: Im hoping i've got everything - the geezer pointed out the relevent parts on the screen. They were the said 2 piece housing and another part which im not sure i need (Parts: 021121117A, 021121121A, 021121133D). Thats £22.87, £9.64, £9.64.

I bought sensors 025906041A & 701919369D - just tobe safe! At £12.21 & £22.80.

However i had to buy seals aswell (not with housing!) N90136802, N10139201, 021121119A. Im not sure if i've got ALL the necessary seals - I need expert advice to say if im missing any parts before i start stripping it down. Cheers!

[gogsboy 0]

Seems like themo housing to me!! You getting any mixing of the oil and water atall main sign of HG failure ??

 

Doesnt appear to be any mixing, I had a halfords coolant cap obliterate into a million pieces, not sure of thats down to pressure or a poor cap.

 

Just sometimes you can see it leaking and other times you cant, however more recently it does seem to be more visible.

 

One time the water was spurting upwards and then tried to make it leak again to identify where was coming from and nothing at all.

[gogsboy 0]

I agree, thermo housing or a seal. Squeeze the top rad hose and watch for any liquid leaking from around the housing.

The housing is only one part so if thats what you asked for from VW it might be right. The other piece that everyone goes on about is a thermostat elbow and should only be a couple of quid, if it needs changing.

 

Not heard about the R32 thermostat but i'd be interested to see if its a good mod?

 

As for the taking ages to warm up, I#m afraid that is just a trait of the VR6. They all do it, and they all get warm when stuck in traffic. Its when it doesn't return to normal when you're up and moving again that you want to worry.

 

Done that and hard to tell where coming from, I can see it landing on the deck pretty much central when looking underneath.

 

I was told to ask for the thermo housing...the whole lot and what they gave me was the elbow part you talk of I think, the R32 stat fits in that ok..I think.

 

Reason I ask about slow in warming up is seems to be lot of talk of faulty temp switches/senders etc.

 

Did I read somewhere that you are better to get the bits from Ford somewhere?

 

Either way need to get hold of right bits...then need to get someone to do it and need to be on dry land myself, that might help :D

 

Storm wil be rotting away in the garage, owned for 1yr, driven for 1000-1500 miles or so, not good at all.

[mic_VR 3]

I had a halfords coolant cap obliterate into a million pieces, not sure of thats down to pressure or a poor cap.

 

Poor cap. The ones from VW (blue and about £4) have a pressure release valve to stop them blowing.

 

Right have been to VW for replacement parts for my leaky thermo housing and cost me £97.65 :shock: Im hoping i've got everything - the geezer pointed out the relevent parts on the screen. They were the said 2 piece housing and another part which im not sure i need (Parts: 021121117A, 021121121A, 021121133D). Thats £22.87, £9.64, £9.64.

I bought sensors 025906041A & 701919369D - just tobe safe! At £12.21 & £22.80.

However i had to buy seals aswell (not with housing!) N90136802, N10139201, 021121119A. Im not sure if i've got ALL the necessary seals - I need expert advice to say if im missing any parts before i start stripping it down. Cheers!

 

If replacing everything you should have new:

 

021 121 117A - Main housing,

021 121 133D - front housing elbow,

021 121 121A - thermostat elbow,

b 075 121 113D - thermostat & seal (should come together from VW),

b 025 906 041A - Blue

b701 919 369D - Yellow and

b357 919 369F - Black sensors,

3 x N903 168 02 - small O-rings that go with the sensors,

2 x N101 392 01 - slightly larger O-rings to go on the crack (drainage) pipe and the front housing elbow,

1 x 021 121 119A - odd shaped seal (kind of rectangle) that is for between the main housing and the block.

 

Sound right?

 

If anyone is near Cambridge and needs a hand doing this I'm more than happy to help out.

[Neil L. 0]

Right mic, be great help if you put the relevant part numbers up here alongside the part they refer to for myself and anyone else that needs this information!

Obviously i aint got all the seals yet! The problem is i aint bought a Bentleys yet - so i cant really see what i need exactly.

Your receipt gives you the information - so it would be great if you post it here covering all the parts for a complete renewal of the section.

Still not sure what stat to get yet! Which awesome one do i get for my 94' VR6? :D

[gogsboy 0]

Still not sure what stat to get yet! Which awesome one do i get for my 94' VR6? :D

 

Try an r32 one :D

[gogsboy 0]

Poor cap. The ones from VW (blue and about £4) have a pressure release valve to stop them blowing.

 

It was a Sunday, the original black one had been butchered by previous owner so Halfords it was...but hadn't read the forum then.

 

Obviously got the VW blue one now but someone reckoned that the blowing of the cap was an indicator of HG probs.

 

While back took it too a garage, popped bonnet and the cap wasn't even on it had flew off but was stil intact, got car up on ramp but no leak visible and the mechanic didnt seem much cope at all, not leaking, nothing wrong blah blah, dont know cant be bothered style!

[CazzaVR 0]

Guys, best place to get your VR thermostat housing, sensors etc is Ford. I paid around £40 for all the plastic housing pieces, new bolts, blue sensor, various O-rings etc. Much cheaper than VW! Got a Neuspeed 70C thermostat from Awsome. Oil never goes over 100 now, although it takes longer to warm up.

[mic_VR 3]

Ok have now updated my earlier post with the part numbers needed. If buying the sensors you'll need to double check with VW as there is a sight difference if you've got a car with aircon, other than that the rest should be ok.

[gogsboy 0]

Guys, best place to get your VR thermostat housing, sensors etc is Ford. I paid around £40 for all the plastic housing pieces, new bolts, blue sensor, various O-rings etc. Much cheaper than VW! Got a Neuspeed 70C thermostat from Awsome. Oil never goes over 100 now, although it takes longer to warm up.

 

Seem to recall reading about this, are the parts the same quality as VW...well as quality as plastic gets but then a Halfords expansion cap looks little different to the VW one.

 

Also what do you ask for exactly?

[Neil L. 0]

Thanks mic for all the part numbers! :D

[Neil L. 0]

Is it ok to fill cooling system with plain tap water/antifreeze - seen it here somewhere to use distilled/antifreeze! Ratio 3 to 1 part antifreeze?

[craigowl 0]

Best to use distilled, particularly if you are in hard water area, IMO.