200tdi Removing Lower Thermostat Housing from Engine

Hi,
Need some advice, on a 200tdi the lower thermostat housing bolted to the engine block can you remove it without taking off the water pump and timing case? I need to replace the gasket but it looks so tight to do so. ????

No. The lower bolts foul the timing chest when you wind them out

I thought the lower holes were slotted?

Edit just looked on fleabay, and I am talking shti!

You can if you loosen the bolts so you can turn with your fingers, then cut head of bolt with hacksaw then unwind rest of way out. The bolts are 25mm and it’s the bolt head that stops it coming out as it fouls on the housing. On reassembly swop bolts for 20mm ones then you never have problems again

Thanks guys will go with that plan of attack.