alright, I did some digging around. first off, I googled mk4 jetta thermostat before making this thread and was looking at the wrong spot, I thought it showed the thermostat at the driver side of the motor. guess not, my bad. I was looking at it wrong.
secondly, I just had it idiling for 20 mins while I looked around with a flashlight. it did not get up to full operating temp (90c). it only got to 60c before I was done looking around. I was able to find
two spots leaking coolant. I dont know how to describe them so here is some pics. hopefully they show where. I can take more if needed. I drove 500km yesterday, then parked it, and it must of leaked like crazy all night because I came to the car in the morning to a puddle the size of my hand. today it barely seemed to drip. so maybe its worse when its at full operating temp?
the one is on the driver side right by the axle housing it seems. possibly a bad gasket. that one doesnt look easy to fix. its right beside where the frostheater is mounted (see pics)
the other is on the driver side by the lowest belt roller. I cant tell where that is coming from.
also, whoever recently worked on my car (2 mechanics) royally wrecked almost all 4 skid plate mounts. I know the rear ones are shot and the first mechanic used self tappers to hold it on via drilling right into the frame. not impressed. now I notice that my front passenger skid plate mount is broken too. I think this can be fixed by welding a new nut on there. im pretty sure this is a panzer skid plate.
also, on the skid plate where its leaking from the passenger side belt roller. there is a TON of wet debris accumulated on the skid plate...seems like its been leaking for months, years maybe even.
the coolant is orange, and it doesnt seem low.
what do I do?? (besides sell this damn car) I just had my first 1000+ km tank (1050 km. drove 91km with fuel light on) so I have a newfound love for it again.