thermostat?

[Jeremiah Curry]

Thanks everyone for your help diagnosing the problem.  I found that under
the rubber boot, the mfts wires were corroded.  By the time I got the boot
off, only 2 of the 4 wires were connected.  I have ordered a new plug and
connectors, hopefully I can get them reconnected to the woefully short
wires.

Jeremiah

-----Original Message-----
From: 200q20v-bounces at audifans.com [mailto:200q20v-bounces at audifans.com] On
Behalf Of Jeremiah Curry
Sent: Thursday, January 03, 2008 9:38 PM
To: 200q20v at audifans.com
Subject: thermostat?


Howdy all,
 
On a 400 mile roadtrip the other day I noticed that my water temperature
guage was not budging from the very bottom.  It was 20 degrees outside, but
I have never had a problem with the temperature before.  I have also been
getting really bad mileage lately 15 mpg in town and 22 on the highway.  So
I suspected the thermostat was bad resulting in a rich mixture and cold
running.  However, I put cardboard in front of the radiator and the guage
still did not budge and the heater blows warm...so I am not sure if that is
the problem.  The previous owner said he replaced it about 135,000 miles and
i am now at 194,000.
 
I bought a new thermostat since it was only $20, but when I went to replace
it I couldn't figure out any way to get the old one out.
 
Does this sound like a thermostat probleme to the collective wisdom of the
list? and if so, is there a trick for replacing them.  Also, my timing belt
is probably due before too long, any benefit to doing one while I do the
other.
 
thanks,
Jeremiah