Noisy waterpump - and leaking - 165k miles. When I removed the water pump pulley - to get enough tension on the belt for the bolts to break loose the crankshaft turned. I'm assuming that's not an issue since the crank and cams are connected with a chain?

I'm used to the old Audis I owned that I had to lock the cams since they were all belt driven.

 

Yes, it's a timing chain so you don't have to lock the cams

 

Thanks - should I spend another $40 and replace the thermostat as well while I'm in there? I believe its original....

 

Absolutely. Cheap insurance for the future in my opinion.