Tried to replace the thermostate in my 1985 Vanagon this weekend (1.9L).  It would appear that both of the bolts holding the thermostat housing in place are frozen.  At least one bolt has the heads kind of chewed off from an earlier attempt.

Grrrr.  How difficult is it to remove the entire water pump? (I have AC to deal with here, it looks like that might have to come out to get to all this).  And how might I hold the pulley wheel in place to remove that--or is that removal even neccessary.  I'm assuming if I get the entire pump out I can get the bolts for the thermostat housing free, are those bolts available as replacement parts.

_____

Donald Baxter  Iowa City, Iowa
(319) 337-0494
www.mindspring.com/~onanov

"Every family should have at least three children. Then, if one is a genius, the other two can support him." 
         -- George Coote. 

[text/html]