Just got to the thermostat

[Veg]

Just got to the thermostat on RS2 and what a pain in the bum that was. De-gas the air con, remove the front end of the car, hydraulics drained, wiring disconnected, radiators out and the hydraulic pump is still slightly in the way! Thought my Integrale was a pain in the butt, but this tops it by far!!

Whilst I'm there I might as well do the engine mount, secondary water pump, oil pressure switches and the coolant hoses. Anything else?

[Error404]

Sounds like you've gone a long way round?
Normally I just drain coolant & PAS fluid, remove the lower rad hose from the thermostat housing, remove PAS fluid hose to pump, remove plastic air guide, remove thermostat housing et voila

Whilst you're in that main pieces, definitely worth replacing the two small water hoses - one to the turbo from the water rail and the one from the outlet on the back of the thermostat housing to the external water pipe. MFTS and oil pressure switch will never be easier to get at either.

[UrS4boy]

Just got to the thermostat on RS2 and what a pain in the bum that was.

You must have been following the official Audi procedure rather than asking for the tricks that others (including professionals) use to beat the book rate procedure.

Mechanic stuff like that you should start by searching the forum with the advanced search (selecting ALL DATES) and if you don't find your answer, then ask the question here. In this case, it would have saved you a bunch of time and money (A/C recharge) to swap the thermostat.

Just sayin'

[Veg]

More jobs jolly good.

I couldn't see another way as I couldn't get my hands and spanners to remove the shroud........ Still can't see how you get behind the hydraulic pump but at least it's done.

All part of the fun!

[S2central.net]

You went the hard way there - but yes good advice on the two stupid water rail pipes and those oil senders nearby if they are weeping.

[Veg]

Forgot to say bumper off etc is to fix it as a bracket has been snapped and recore secondary rad so most of the stuff was off anyway......still a tricky son of a ......,

[Rusty]

I've ditched all the air guides etc. so can get to my thermostat in about 30s You have my sympathy though, as I did one on an original car without AC and that was enough of a pain...

[Ross]

I remember the first time I tried (and failed) to replace a rad on my 3B... it was frustrating! Funny things is I've had the rad out on my old Avant and my RS2 in about an hour now. It certainly is tight against the AC rad but you can do it.

Skinny forearms and rachet spanners with good reach are the key to the bolts down the side of the cowling. It's sometimes easier to get inventive as to where you approach from too, just be prepared to get all Karma Sutra on your car

Definitely check the turbo coolant hoses, they'll be mushy and rotten if original. The Samco kit is worth getting and fitting just for those alone... my RS2 had a set fitted back in 2005(6?) at a forum 'garage meet' in Shropshire, when it belonged to the previous owner, and they are still as new and not leaked a drop.

[Veg]

Going for Roose ones or Samco (if the group buy gets going). with the rads out there certainly is good access now! Was going to do the timing belt but I suspect that crank pulley bolt is a little tight for my garage stuff. Let a professional at it with a big air wrench........

[Jamo]

Wow you did it the hard way!! but glad it's done

[Veg]

still not done the thermostat as i'm soaking it all in plus gas before i go for the sheering the bolts!!