I got the T-stat out without removing the manifold, after much profanity. Tested it on the stove in a pot of hot water and the bitch opened right up. Reached my hand into the block to check the impeller and that Mother F'er is freespinning on the shaft.

So that solves that mystery, its time for a new water pump. Im going to go ahead and install my coolant temperature sensor anyways. And leave it in the air until I get the waterpump in. I'm gonna ask the Audi Dealership Im starting at how much they would charge an employee to do the swap with and without parts cost.

We'll see. The Audi is undriveable for now though, and I'm sad. Its already been 2 weeks.

Thanks for the adivce though guys.

 

you never know you might even get nothing off and allowed to do it in your spare time after all we are talking Audi dealership I think best of luck ant way

 

LOL, just read that walkthrough, and thats pretty much exactly how I did it. Except I dont have a flexjoint so I had to use a mini-open end 10mm and back the bottom out a teeny-tiny bit at a time. It also helps to remove all the alternator elctricals to make more room.

I guess Ill have to go get the flex so I can actually torque it back down though.

Live and learn.

 

I already know I get a parts discount, I made sure to ask. If they can get the parts for less then ordering the Kit from ECS or something that would be super. Thats really a minor cost when compared to the labor I'm sure. Hopefully they cut employees a break. If not Ill be doing that by myself too. My first timing experience on an interference motor, yay. Hope I dont screw up, Ill have to go to a 225 motor if I wreck this one.

 

of you need pictures ill dig them up

 

I printed one walkthrough already but its for a eurospec and doesnt have any pictures. All the info I can gather will help.

I'm probably going to have to breakdown and buy the bentley CD with the Timing Belt kit. I blew the alternator fuse (hopefully not the alternator as well) trying to fiddle with the T-stat while forgetting to disconnect the battery, and I need to be avoiding stupid little oversights like that. I'll get it all going eventually, Im not the type to give up.

I've already got a LOAD of reassembly to do, but I'm not putting anything back together until I have the overheating problem fixed. Initiation by fire on my little 1.8T. Should have a much better idea of what this little motor is all about when this is all said and done.

 

The Eurospec and US motors are essentially the same when it comes to how they are put together. Here is a walkthru that has pictures. Several of the guys on Audiworld used it as their guide.