Nickp

have 226,000 on original water pump,changed themostat without removing timing belt, 95 audi a6

4Driver4

Time for a full timing belt service.

Limey

No doubt about the eventual outcome of a water pump seize!
Changing thermostats without removing the belt definitely fits into the awkward category, but it can be done without damage to the belt. Buckets of patience and the time to grow new knuckles was my approach. In my case, the dealer 'forgot' to do the thermostat when doing the belt, and I had no idea how awkward the job is to do otherwise.

tom49

Next time you do a thermostat slide the timing belt about halfway off of the spocket (don't remove it). I finally figured this out the last time I did one and it was WAY easier.

Limey

Slide is hardly the word: force over progressively and without ripping the edge is more like the description!