The 2000 Volkswagen Beetle is a throwback to the classic German Volkswagen automobiles that made Volkswagen a household name in the 1940s. There are several distinct differences between the new Beetles and the classic ones. The engine in the new beetle is cooled with a radiator and a modern cooling system whereas the classics were cooled strictly by airflow into the engine. This means the 2000 Beetle engines have a thermostat. This also means there will come a time when that thermostat must be changed due to mechanical failure.
Remove the radiator hose from the thermostat intake tube by loosening the band clamp that secures the hose to the intake tube. To do this, turn the cam on the band clamp counterclockwise with a screwdriver.
Pull the radiator hose off the thermostat intake tube and hold the hose vertically while the radiator fluid drains back into the engine. This will prevent radiator fluid from getting on the engine block. With the hose drained, push it to the side to access the intake tube.
Remove the thermostat intake tube by taking off the bolts that hold it onto the intake manifold. With the bolts removed from the intake, pull the intake tube off. Inspect the tube for hairline cracks. If there are any hairline cracks, replace the intake tube.
Pull the old thermostat gasket off the intake manifold and discard it. Place the new thermostat onto the intake manifold. Do not get the thermostat gasket wet. If it gets wet, it will compromise the seal between the thermostat intake tube and the intake manifold.
Pull the old thermostat out of the intake manifold and discard it. Place the new thermostat into the intake manifold. One end is marked "top." Submerge the opposite end into the intake manifold to ensure the thermostat works properly.
Bolt the thermostat intake tube back onto the intake manifold with the original bolts.
Secure the radiator hose to the thermostat intake tube by tightening the band clamp. Turn the cam clockwise with a screwdriver to do this.
Start the engine and let it run. Check the seal between the radiator hose and the thermostat intake tube. If you see a leak, tighten the hose. Check the mating surface of the thermostat intake tube and the intake manifold. If there is a leak, tighten the thermostat intake tube.
