POWERSTROKE
Top Post Dawg
How do you replace these? Do you need to drain the radiator? Or can you just pull it off and replace it? Any step by step or better yet YouTube videos?
I agree that you should replace the flange with the t-stat. There are two fingers in the flange that hold the t-stat during reassembly, and it's practically impossible to get the old t-stat out without breaking the fingers. While it's possible to install the new t-stat without the aid of the fingers, it's difficult, and then you can never be certain that everything is lined up so that the gasket will seal properly.Two bolts. That's it. Super easy.
Get a new flange, put the new o-ring on the flange, and twist lock the new thermostat to the flange and bolt it back on. You can drain the radiator if you like, but you'll still lose some more when you take the thermostat off usually.
Good to know. That used to be a good way to get the OEM t-stat cheap. Now I wish I had stocked up more. Have you found any other source? Or did Mahle just screw up the t-stat and it's not available anymore except from VW (until they run out)?The Autohausaz T-stat will not fit into the Plastic Coolant Flange. ... The metal across the top is too wide to go in the fingers of the Coolant Flange
Thanks, Brian. Happen to have a part number handy? I couldn't find a direct match listed on https://www.calorstatbyvernet.com .Calorstat brand is what I have been using for a while now. Like the Behr, they look and fit exactly the same as the OEM ones they just do not have the VAG logo and part number. They come with an o-ring too.
Thanks, Brian!They give a number of TH6273.87J, which actually crosses to the VAG number of 03G-121-113-A (for the BRM) but they are the same. That is one of those instances where VAG has a newer part number prefix for a newer engine, but did NOT change it for the older ones.
Cool. idparts is a quality vendor. Good for you not breaking the fingers.I bought the skit from I’d parts that included everything. It fit well and took about 15 minutes with draining the radiator. Not too shabby. I didn’t breK the original housing either.
They arrived today. They are BorgWarner Wahler 4264.87D, and they don't fit. What I got is different than the photo on their website. Requesting a return/refund. You can see photos of what they sent HERE.Found THIS which looks like the VW t-stat except for the gold color. They claim OE mfr. I will let you know how they fit the flange fingers when they arrive in about a week.