[Mk2] [Turbo] Changing thermostat, drain coolant??

[joemacmr2]

Do I have remove oil filter and dip stick holder to replace thermostat housing or is there enough clearance?
Do I hAve to drain coolant from engine or can I bleed at frunk and top up what I lost?

I have a fluctuating temp gauge. It does go up to just below half way most times but sometimes it falls back to around a quarter whilst I'm still driving

[toxo]

Depends on revision. Rev3+ you can do the stat without removing anything else. You don't need to drain, just burp the engine afterwards. You won't get enough coolant out to affect the front end of the car - you're opening the cooling system at quite a high point.

[joemacmr2]

cheers, i have a rev2 and see no way of getting to bottom stat bolt with removing oil filter.so il remove and bleed afterwards as you've mentioned.

Thanks