Water pipe behind pulley

[Ray]

decided to replace the little rubber pipe behind the pulley. been leaking slightly for some time. Very difficult to get of because the oil filler pipe is in the way. Dont really want to remove as I have just changed rhe oil. Pity vw didn't put a dent in it so the elbow would come off easily. May try and do that to get it back on! Taking the oil filler pipe off is a pain too and difficult to get back on once the water pipe is back on especially with tow bar and all the engine protection bars in the way. Might have to bite the bullet and take the lot off. Anyone done this and have a simple way. Is the gasket 901 288 02 still available or will I have to make one?

[Ray]

job done, took off alternator and bracket and dipstick holder and with flexing oil filler tube with a bar managed get the thing back. Hope not to have to do it ever again!

[Aidan]

well done Ray
tis a pain access around that end of engine eh

[Ray]

Thanks Aiden, it sure is. Just thought I may have wrong oil filler pipe on there it was changed a couple of years ago - wondered if it was an air cooled one. I would have thought a Water cooled would have had more clearance?

[Yozza]

I once removed the plastic tubular section off the metal pipe (oil filler neck) but it was a b*stard to fit back. Now I take the complete oil filler neck off as one unit (undo and remove the 13mm nuts, I find a small 13mm socket on a 1/4" T-bar gets the awkward nut off). Obviously you'd need to drop the oil first.