| Author |
Message |
davidyat
Samba Member
Joined: January 02, 2017
Posts: 18
|
 Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2017 7:43 am Post subject: Don't do what I did during an engine rebuild |
 |
|
So I'm rebuilding my 1967 Beetle engine. I get to the installation of the thermostat that controls the opening and closing of the vanes inside the fan shroud. To check if the thermostat is working, I put it near a heater in my garage. I get distracted with the engine. Time goes by. I look back at the thermostat and it has expanded from about 1 inch to almost 12 inches. YIKES!!! It stretched so far out of shape that it never went back to its' original size. It was like when you stretch a spring too far. Take the advice of most mechanics, boil some water and place the thermostat near or in it. When you see it move, TAKE IT OUT!!!! IT IS WORKING!!
Good luck on your rebuild |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
diablosandwich
Samba Member
Joined: January 15, 2012
Posts: 469
Location: Illinois
|
| Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2017 7:46 am Post subject: Re: Don't do what I did during an engine rebuild |
|
|
Happy new year. It is best to test it in the thermostat bracket so this does not happen. Casey
_________________
1966 Java Greens |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
davidyat
Samba Member
Joined: January 02, 2017
Posts: 18
|
| Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2017 8:27 am Post subject: Re: Don't do what I did during an engine rebuild |
|
|
| Even better advice. Keep it in the bracket. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
67rustavenger 
Samba Member
Joined: February 24, 2015
Posts: 9755
Location: Oregon
|
| Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2017 8:34 am Post subject: Re: Don't do what I did during an engine rebuild |
|
|
Welcome to the samba.
We all get distracted from time to time. Hell I got distracted a few weeks ago and damn near burned down my car and house when I left a fuel line off a carb and started my engine 
The up side is that you can still find thermo-stats in the classifieds and at swap meets. Just be careful with the next one.
Please post some pics of what you are working on.
Good Luck.
_________________
I have learned over the years.
Cheap parts are gonna disappoint you.
Buy Once, Cry Once!
There's never enough time to do it right the first time. But there's always enough time to do it thrice.
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
gt1953
Samba Member
Joined: May 08, 2002
Posts: 13848
Location: White Mountains Arizona
|
| Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2017 4:23 pm Post subject: Re: Don't do what I did during an engine rebuild |
|
|
Yep you trashed that thermostat. Boiling water is for water cooled engines. Keep it in the thermostat bracket, use a blow drier on it carefully only to test it. Do not buy one that is expanded.
_________________
Volkswagen: We tune what we drive.
Numbers Matching VW's are getting harder to find. Source out the most Stock vehicle and keep that way. You will be glad you did.
72 type 1
72 Squareback
({59 Euro bug, 62, 63, 67, 68, 69, 73 type ones 68 & 69 type two, 68 Ghia all sold}) |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Tim Donahoe
Samba Member
Joined: December 08, 2012
Posts: 11740
Location: Redding, CA
|
| Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2017 6:07 pm Post subject: Re: Don't do what I did during an engine rebuild |
|
|
Gt's method is the best. A good thermostat will open very quickly, using a blow dryer set on high.
Tim
_________________
Let's do the Time Warp again!
Richard O'Brien |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
tasb
The Distributor Distributor
Joined: April 27, 2002
Posts: 6371
Location: Pentwater, Michigan
|
| Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2017 6:44 pm Post subject: Re: Don't do what I did during an engine rebuild |
|
|
It'd be kinda fun to see a pic of that thermostat, actually: 
I've seen them over extended by an inch or two but never that far.
_________________
Roads Scholar &
1957 Kombi low mileage 36 hp governor equipped M 178 Slow Drag Winner 2014, 2015, 2018
1965 hardtop Deluxe Microbus owned since 1990 M 620 factory 12 v 1500cc
1961 (October)Single Cab- Road Trip Workhorse |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
