TheSamba.com :: View topic - What could possibly go wrong? Cali to Chicago.

Thu Feb 25, 2010 8:20 am

You might also check the thermostat setup in the car (if it has one) before setting out. Many people run those engines without them (the T stat, linkage and shutter flaps in the fanhousing). If it is not present, its no big deal for your trip. If it is, make sure it is functioning properly and the "failsafe" spring that pulls the linkage open (on the back of the fan housing) is in place.

If you are not familiar with this T stat setup, grab a manual and have a look.

If it is missing, and you wish your engine to last a long time, get the set up and install it. Aside from the warmup functions, the flaps, when open, provide some important air flow benefits, especially on the critical #3 cylinder.....

Thu Feb 25, 2010 8:45 am

To all that have read John Henry's Post TAKE HEED!!!!!! The Engineer's Back in the day at Wolfsburg, Designed these aircooled engine's with the engine Tin AND Thermostat for a reason. IT is meant for engine Heat uniformity--- heat transfer dissipation. With out these vital parts installed on your engine, your motor's Longevity and Function=(Perhaps not in the short term) will suffer GREATLY!!! down the road. Speaking for myself If it had it on my Ride from the Factory, it sure in the Hell will be on my Ride in my ownership. Good--- NO!!--- Great Point John! 8).

Thu Feb 25, 2010 9:12 am

Thanks again for the info guys, this is the kind of info that isn't easy to come by. I can only imagine more people find out about this stuff the hard way.

Tue Mar 02, 2010 7:40 am

How is the trip going? You'd have to be well on your way by now?

Tue Mar 02, 2010 8:33 am

Schwing wrote: How is the trip going? You'd have to be well on your way by now?

this was posted earlier by him

"Sean I fly from Chicago O'hare one way ticket into Philly March 8th."

Tue Mar 02, 2010 4:24 pm

haha yea thanks Russ.

Schwing as my quote from Russ states, I dont fly out till Monday morning.

I made an official thread over in the period correct Beetle forum.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=402171

I can't wait, I'm ready to go now.

Tue Mar 02, 2010 4:28 pm

Have fun!! This is going to be a adventure you will probably do again..
Take lots of pics an a laptop so you can update all of us.

Tue Mar 16, 2010 9:26 am

posted the update to this story over in the Beetle forum.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=402171&start=20

Thu Mar 18, 2010 12:39 am

Motorhead55 wrote: My opinion is to find someone here in Calif, close to the area that the car is, that is KNOWLEDGEABLE and in the Samba to help you check it out BEFORE you depart. If it is in the central area of Calif, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey counties, I could help you out. I have 43 years exp on VWs. What general area is the car? This time of the year would be a good time to drive an air cooled because of the cool weather. Drive 65mph.

I LIVE IN GILROY CALIFORNIA...HOW FAR ARE YOU FROM ME?? IF TOO FAR...DO YOU KNOW ANYONE THAT CAN HELP ME WITH A 1955 OVAL I RECENTLY PURCHASED FOR RESTORATION WORK, INTERIOR AND MECHANICAL PURPOSES?