Can someone provide detailed instructions for replacing the thermostat on a 3.0 A6 engine? I did my T belt and water pump earlier in the year but now fear I should have done the thermostat at the same time.

 

You basically do the exact same job as the water pump, just remove the pipe for the thermostat behind the timing belt instead, definately should have changed it while you were in there.

 

You can order the entire housing and o-ring from www.blauparts.com and get a new non-perforated stainless steel clamp from the boat or hardware store. It's easy.

 

Hello;
From what I understand - from my mechanic - the Audi 3.0L V6 thermostat is not in the front of the engine - as in earlier V6 engine location - but on top and requires removal of the intake manifold? So though not as bad as removing the whole front of the car - radiator and all - it is still a big $$ job!
Again I will say Audi does not have engineers but guys who decide every design based upon how to maximize their repair money making schemes! Every repair issue like this; timing belt replacement - water pump - thermostats - is a calculated rear end screw for the owner – there is absolutely no reason to design engines and systems like this - except to make $$$!

 

What year is your 3.0L?
We can find out exactly where the T-stat is...so you may be able to replace it yourself and get to keep those big $$$ you now shower your... honest mechanic with.

 

The parts book shows the t-stat for your car at the rear of the engine. However, it says 2.7 hours to replace, same as for the 2.8 or 2.7t. Sounds ugly but it might not be as bad as it sounds. I would rather remove an intake manifold than remove the front of a car any day.

Bob

 

Thanks for responding - OK - It is a 2003 A6 3.0L AWD - the thermostat is in the rear of the engine? From images I have searched on line it appears to be upper left front when standing in front of the car looking at the engine?

 

It is in the front.

I replaced mine and you absolutely do not need to pull the intake manifold.

You can order a complete housing assembly with the t-stat inside and an O-ring from blauparts.com It's not a hard job and it's actually one of the only parts you will find on that engine that has been located in a convenient place.

You should start looking for a new mechanic because if he was to actually stick there head under the hood and look for you thermostat you would notice the neck right there.