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cubangt Samba Member
Joined: October 01, 2023 Posts: 84 Location: Houston, Tx
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Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2025 7:32 am Post subject: Long block assembly order of operations |
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So have long block ready to add on all the accessories, tins, brackets, pulleys etc.
So i have the alternator bracket ready to paint(weather/humidity) permitting, but want to make sure the order of assembly.
As seen in the picture, i have some of the tins on, the oil filler gasket and vent in place(need to apply sealant when ready) but in this current stage, what would be the next thing to install, is there a order of assembly at this point?
Just dont want to install and remove if i can help it.
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Schepp Samba Member

Joined: March 22, 2020 Posts: 490 Location: NorCal
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Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2025 7:37 am Post subject: Re: Long block assembly order of operations |
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Are you going to use a thermostat? |
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Glenn  Mr. 010

Joined: December 25, 2001 Posts: 79542 Location: Sneaking up behind you
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Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2025 8:00 am Post subject: Re: Long block assembly order of operations |
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Alternator stand, then the intake manifold (if stock single carb), and finally the fan shroud with the alternator/fan already installed. _________________ Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
"You may not get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get"
Member #1009
#BlueSquare
עַם יִשְׂרָאֵל חַי |
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cubangt Samba Member
Joined: October 01, 2023 Posts: 84 Location: Houston, Tx
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Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2025 1:50 pm Post subject: Re: Long block assembly order of operations |
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Schepp wrote: |
Are you going to use a thermostat? |
The motor didnt have one before the rebuild, so ill assume not going to use one. Unless its required. But currently do not have one |
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cubangt Samba Member
Joined: October 01, 2023 Posts: 84 Location: Houston, Tx
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Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2025 1:52 pm Post subject: Re: Long block assembly order of operations |
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Glenn wrote: |
Alternator stand, then the intake manifold (if stock single carb), and finally the fan shroud with the alternator/fan already installed. |
Sweet, stand just needs fresh coat of paint, intake need to dig out of the totes, but have and have a new fan shroud with new pully and blades.
Is the "vent" installed in the correct direction in the above picture? |
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67rustavenger Samba Member

Joined: February 24, 2015 Posts: 11114 Location: Oregon
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Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2025 1:55 pm Post subject: Re: Long block assembly order of operations |
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cubangt wrote: |
Glenn wrote: |
Alternator stand, then the intake manifold (if stock single carb), and finally the fan shroud with the alternator/fan already installed. |
Sweet, stand just needs fresh coat of paint, intake need to dig out of the totes, but have and have a new fan shroud with new pully and blades.
Is the "vent" installed in the correct direction in the above picture? |
If you mean the oil filler stand baffle plate. Yes, it's in the correct orientation. _________________ 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!
2003 Astrovan? GFYS again, Xevin!
Don't let your bad ideas remain, ideas! |
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nsracing Samba Member

Joined: November 16, 2003 Posts: 9744 Location: NOVA
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Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2025 6:30 am Post subject: Re: Long block assembly order of operations |
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I like the oil stand and fuel pump -temporary no rod- bolted on. Shit will fall in them holes and ruin your good day. I also like the pulley on so nothing will get in the hole. Installing the oil cooler is also good.
Have you set the end-play? Don't do all that stuff unless you have done that.
Also- install the plungers under if you have not done already.
I keep the pushrods out while in assembly. Or you will have shit fall in the intakes.
I want to ask if you did a trial assembly on this motor before you bolted everything?? If not-you may find your rocker geometry is screwed and have to do an R/R all over.
Just saying. Enjoy. |
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Schepp Samba Member

Joined: March 22, 2020 Posts: 490 Location: NorCal
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Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2025 7:29 am Post subject: Re: Long block assembly order of operations |
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Would you run a modern car without a thermostat?
Once I added one to my engine warmup times and drivability increased dramatically. Especially in the colder months.
If this car will only be driven on nice warm afternoons you might not need one.
Its not expensive to source and refurbish an old used unit.
This is the perfect time to install a thermostat. |
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nsracing Samba Member

Joined: November 16, 2003 Posts: 9744 Location: NOVA
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Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2025 9:10 am Post subject: Re: Long block assembly order of operations |
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I stopped at watching what people are doing. Let them do as they wish. I just enjoy the carnage.
No thermostat or non-working will foam the oil in winter months. Will run like crap.
In winter, if the motor is happy, I am happy. |
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Rob Combs Samba Member
Joined: December 30, 2020 Posts: 540 Location: South Bay LA, California
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Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2025 5:51 pm Post subject: Re: Long block assembly order of operations |
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Hell where i live we don’t even have winter. At least not what most people consider winter.
And my driveability increased dramatically when I put the thermostat and flaps in place, and a proper heated air cleaner.
It stays cool enough, without being cold, to really need it |
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RWK Samba Member
Joined: June 24, 2009 Posts: 1618 Location: S.W. MI
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Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2025 7:40 am Post subject: Re: Long block assembly order of operations |
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One of the main purposes of the thermostat is to allow the cylinders to expand at the same rate as the pistons, with thermo and flaps removed the cylinder is receiving cold air immediately during start up and does not expand, while piston is expanding due to combustion heat, causing premature wear. The flaps and thermostat restrict cooling air until everything is at normal operating temp.
Same thing happens with any other type of engine. _________________ 73 Type 181
63 Type 113
63 Type 261- 428 071
62 Type 241-378 025 178 530 |
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Rob Combs Samba Member
Joined: December 30, 2020 Posts: 540 Location: South Bay LA, California
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Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2025 11:02 am Post subject: Re: Long block assembly order of operations |
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RWK wrote: |
One of the main purposes of the thermostat is to allow the cylinders to expand at the same rate as the pistons, with thermo and flaps removed the cylinder is receiving cold air immediately during start up and does not expand, while piston is expanding due to combustion heat, causing premature wear. The flaps and thermostat restrict cooling air until everything is at normal operating temp.
Same thing happens with any other type of engine. |
Absolutely. Great for keeping premature wear in check.
The driveability difference and reduced fuel consumption enabled by keeping heat in the engine and not needing to run it rich to keep it running well are some really nice side benefits too.
OP, if you can get your hands on the parts, it's worth spending the time to put the system back in place. Awesome Powdercoat makes reasonably good reproduction systems if you can wait a while or are willing to pull the shroud back out later - you may want to check with them on lead times. Mine took more than 10 weeks.
There are probably some good used ones out there in the classifieds as well. That's how I got one of my sets, and just needed to scab together a couple odds and ends to complete the system. Berg has some of the little bits and bobs on the shelf, and might even have some flap sets, but as of last week did not have thermostats.
If you have the originals squirreled away in a box somewhere, even better.
Good luck with whatever route you go. |
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