S4 thermostat replacement

[stapo69]

Is it possible to replace the thermostat on an S4 without taking the belts off?

My oil and water temps seem to only be getting to about 80 degrees recently so I'm thinking the thermostat could be stuck open and so want to replace it if it's easy enough.

I shall have most of the front end off or loose in a weekend or 2 to fit my APR snub mount. Can I get to the thermostat easy enough? Maybe just ease the belt forward? Any help welcome as usual. Thanks.
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[grizz]

Sorry mate you need to take the belt off .

[stapo69]

Bugger. That makes things a little more of a ball ache, am I right? Cam lock tools etc?

[grizz]

Yep & a crank pin ..

[stapo69]

Don't suppose the crank pin matches any normal bolts does it? Anything make shift i can screw in there?

[okkim]

Yes you can take the thermostat out without removing the belt! It just need some tricks Turn the engine while same time pulling the belt away from the motor so it comes almost off from the right belt pulley. Then you have enough space to get the thermostat housing off. I have done it once like that.

[Virdee Autos]

This is how the manual states for the 2.5TDI, but not whilst turning the engine