Thermostat Flaps Always Open

[Pcrog027]

I just realized that the thermostat flaps on my 77 2.0l engine are pulled open all the time. What is the consensus on this? Did someone do this to prevent the engine from overheating? Can this damage my engine?

[SGKent]

They are open in the default position. Who knows why the PO did that.

Yes, the engine will go thru more thermal shock without a thermostat working.
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“Most people don’t know what they’re doing, and a lot of them are really good at it.” - George Carlin

[busdaddy]

Many so called VW mechanics believe they can outsmart an office tower full of meticulous German engineers and disconnect/remove or wire open the flaps. VW wasn't in the habit of adding extra useless features to thier vehicles so it's safe to say the flaps serve a purpose, when open on cold startup the engine suffers a little extra wear before all the parts come up to full operating temperature, not a big deal if you live in the tropics but it will take a percentage off the life of your engine in cold climates, condensation in the oil is another side effect that eats it up from the inside. At least the rocket scientist didn't remove them completely, that's a major issue on a type 4 that actually results in hotter running.

The spring should hold them in the open position if the thermostat fails or the cable breaks, start looking for a good used thermostat or consider having yours rebuilt, it's not instant engine death without it but having one is better for the long term health of your bus.
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[Pcrog027]

Thanks for the responses. I dont run the van in the winter months due to leaky heater boxes or least reeeaalllly oily ones. Also the weber carb doesnt run well when its below freezing. When I pull the engine I will see what I can do.

[CessnaJon]

[quote="busdaddy"]Many so called VW mechanics believe they can outsmart an office tower full of meticulous German engineers and disconnect/remove or wire open the flaps. VW wasn't in the habit of adding extra useless features to thier vehicles so it's safe to say the flaps serve a purpose, when open on cold startup the engine suffers a little extra wear before all the parts come up to full operating temperature, not a big deal if you live in the tropics but it will take a percentage off the life of your engine in cold climates, condensation in the oil is another side effect that eats it up from the inside. At least the rocket scientist didn't remove them completely, that's a major issue on a type 4 that actually results in hotter running.

I love that! Bravo! That first sentence should be on p.1 of the Bentley.
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1973 Westy (shared birthday)
1990 Westy Multivan
2015 Passat TDI 6sp
2015 Sportwagon TDI 6sp
LR-JET, Gulfstream 159

[tootype2crazy]

Archway Import Auto Parts in St. Louis has some type 1 engine thermostats sitting on a shelf I saw the other day. I bet if you called them they would ship one to you so you can get the flaps operating again. I bought one there once for less than $20 and it is still on my engine after a few years.
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air-cooled or nothing for me
1978 Sunroof Deluxe Bus (daily driver)
1978 Transporter (mom's, making into a camper)
1970 Single Cab 2.1 turbo/EFI 6 Rib, 78 front beam, vanagon backing plates on rear (project)
2001 GTI VR6 (wife's)

[Pcrog027]

Is that compatable with my type 4 engine? I just got a donor van with a seized engine. Ill takea look if theres a therm on it.

[tootype2crazy]

Yes a type 1 engine thermostat will fit a type 4 engine. The flaps will open a bit sooner and the cable attaches a little differently but other than that they are the same.
_________________
air-cooled or nothing for me
1978 Sunroof Deluxe Bus (daily driver)
1978 Transporter (mom's, making into a camper)
1970 Single Cab 2.1 turbo/EFI 6 Rib, 78 front beam, vanagon backing plates on rear (project)
2001 GTI VR6 (wife's)