Weather you've supped up your 2000 Jetta VR6 or you've left it the same as the day you drove it off of the lot you know that your Jetta VR6 is capable of more than a standard Jetta Model. With performance engines come extra maintenance and this is especially true with the cooling system. Performance engines run hotter and when the engine's thermostat fails the engine can warp or even crack open. This could cost several thousands to repair.
Locate the thermostat intake tube by following the radiator hose from the radiator to the point where it connects to the VR6's intake. Remove the intake tube bolts with a 10 millimeter wrench. Lift the intake tube of of the manifold and push it to the side to expose the thermostat.
Pull the old thermostat out of the intake manifold and replace it with a new one. The thermostat sits on a lip that is below the radiator fluid level. There will be an arrow indicator showing which end of the thermostat must stick out of the manifold.
Remove the old thermostat gasket and replace it with a new one. The old gasket can be removed with our fingers but in some cases a scraper may be needed to free the gasket from the surface of the intake.
Bolt the thermostat intake tube back onto the manifold of the Volkswagen.
