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Pcrog027 Samba Member
Joined: January 17, 2011 Posts: 98 Location: Berks County, Pa
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Posted: Tue May 07, 2013 7:00 pm Post subject: Thermostat Flaps Always Open |
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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? |
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SGKent Samba Member
Joined: October 30, 2007 Posts: 41031 Location: Citrus Heights CA (Near Sacramento)
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Posted: Tue May 07, 2013 7:05 pm Post subject: |
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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. _________________ “Most people don’t know what they’re doing, and a lot of them are really good at it.” - George Carlin |
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busdaddy Samba Member
Joined: February 12, 2004 Posts: 51131 Location: Surrey B.C. Canada, but thinking of Ukraine
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Posted: Tue May 07, 2013 7:10 pm Post subject: |
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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. _________________ Rust NEVER sleeps and stock never goes out of style.
Please don't PM technical questions, ask your problem in public so everyone can play along. If you think it's too stupid post it here
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!
Слава Україні! |
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Pcrog027 Samba Member
Joined: January 17, 2011 Posts: 98 Location: Berks County, Pa
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Posted: Wed May 08, 2013 7:13 am Post subject: thanks for reply |
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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. |
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CessnaJon Samba Member
Joined: August 15, 2008 Posts: 677 Location: Senoia,GA
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Posted: Wed May 08, 2013 8:06 am Post subject: |
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[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. _________________ 1973 Westy (shared birthday)
1990 Westy Multivan
2015 Passat TDI 6sp
2015 Sportwagon TDI 6sp
LR-JET, Gulfstream 159 |
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tootype2crazy Samba Member
Joined: October 08, 2007 Posts: 1276 Location: St. Louis Missouri
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Posted: Wed May 08, 2013 9:27 am Post subject: |
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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. _________________ 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) |
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Pcrog027 Samba Member
Joined: January 17, 2011 Posts: 98 Location: Berks County, Pa
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Posted: Wed May 08, 2013 11:05 am Post subject: |
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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. |
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tootype2crazy Samba Member
Joined: October 08, 2007 Posts: 1276 Location: St. Louis Missouri
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Posted: Wed May 08, 2013 11:11 am Post subject: |
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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) |
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