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RCJH77
Samba Member
Joined: March 27, 2022
Posts: 268
Location: Johnson County, KS
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 Posted: Sat Nov 22, 2025 6:37 am Post subject: 36hp Thermostat Assembly |
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I’m trying to install a thermostat assembly on my 36hp motor. The previous owner removed it and tossed most of the parts, so I’ve had to put it all together using info from this forum. I thought I had everything I need, but as I was mocking it all up last night, it seems something is not right. Hoping you all can help me identify the issue.
Here’s what I have and what it looked like when I set it up.
Notice the gap between the rod and the connecting arm that it needs to attach to. (I know the spring is missing. I have it, I was just trying to get a feel for how the rod passes through and attaches to the connecting arm.)
I’m no longer confident that I have the correct parts. Anyone know what I’’m missing, and if I’m not missing anything, what I’m doing wrong in the set up?
Last edited by RCJH77 on Sat Nov 22, 2025 8:10 am; edited 2 times in total |
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Ovally
Samba Member
Joined: June 14, 2014
Posts: 516
Location: Belgium
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| Posted: Sat Nov 22, 2025 8:07 am Post subject: Re: 36hp Thermostat Assembly |
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Here you see the thermostat assembly.
Regards.
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Porsche 911S MFI 1970
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RCJH77
Samba Member
Joined: March 27, 2022
Posts: 268
Location: Johnson County, KS
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| Posted: Sat Nov 22, 2025 8:15 am Post subject: Re: 36hp Thermostat Assembly |
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Right. I’ve seen those images. I do have the large piece that fits into the fan shroud as well. I forgot to include it in the picture. I also have the misc nuts and bolts.
The problem is this gap:
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ppilotmike 
Samba Member
Joined: December 10, 2019
Posts: 109
Location: Oscoda Mi
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| Posted: Sat Nov 22, 2025 8:51 am Post subject: Re: 36hp Thermostat Assembly |
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great post! I can't wait to see the final answer to your question.  |
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Ovally
Samba Member
Joined: June 14, 2014
Posts: 516
Location: Belgium
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| Posted: Sat Nov 22, 2025 9:03 am Post subject: Re: 36hp Thermostat Assembly |
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I see, you need to remove the second rear bolt at the top of the engine. It's the one on the right, under the oil cooler in your photo, and that's where the rod needs to be mounted.
Regards.
_________________
VW Bug Oval 1953
VW Bug 1200 D motor
Porsche 911S MFI 1970
Mazda 929 Hardtop 1977
Mercedes SLC 180 Roadster 2018
Last edited by Ovally on Sat Nov 22, 2025 9:10 am; edited 1 time in total |
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67rustavenger
Samba Member
Joined: February 24, 2015
Posts: 11534
Location: Oregon
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| Posted: Sat Nov 22, 2025 9:07 am Post subject: Re: 36hp Thermostat Assembly |
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| RCJH77 wrote: |
Right. I’ve seen those images. I do have the large piece that fits into the fan shroud as well. I forgot to include it in the picture. I also have the misc nuts and bolts.
The problem is this gap:
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You have the cross bar mounted in the incorrect location in the above pic.
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Don't let your bad ideas remain, ideas! |
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RCJH77
Samba Member
Joined: March 27, 2022
Posts: 268
Location: Johnson County, KS
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| Posted: Sat Nov 22, 2025 9:15 am Post subject: Re: 36hp Thermostat Assembly |
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| That is exactly what I was missing! Thanks, guys! |
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Eric&Barb
Samba Member
Joined: September 19, 2004
Posts: 26277
Location: Olympia Wash Rinse & Repeat
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| Posted: Sat Nov 22, 2025 3:03 pm Post subject: Re: 36hp Thermostat Assembly |
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That other hole you were using was only for hanging the engine from the overhead conveyor while on the assembly line.
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In Stereo, Where Available! |
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RCJH77
Samba Member
Joined: March 27, 2022
Posts: 268
Location: Johnson County, KS
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| Posted: Sat Nov 22, 2025 6:18 pm Post subject: Re: 36hp Thermostat Assembly |
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| Eric&Barb wrote: |
| That other hole you were using was only for hanging the engine from the overhead conveyor while on the assembly line. |
I was wondering what it was for! Good to know. |
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Eric&Barb
Samba Member
Joined: September 19, 2004
Posts: 26277
Location: Olympia Wash Rinse & Repeat
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| Posted: Sat Nov 22, 2025 7:30 pm Post subject: Re: 36hp Thermostat Assembly |
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| RCJH77 wrote: |
| Eric&Barb wrote: |
| That other hole you were using was only for hanging the engine from the overhead conveyor while on the assembly line. |
I was wondering what it was for! Good to know. |
Middle image shows the upper part of the hanger. Have yet to find an image showing up front of the fan shroud part of it.
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In Stereo, Where Available! |
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tasb
The Distributor Distributor
Joined: April 27, 2002
Posts: 6854
Location: Pentwater, Michigan
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| Posted: Sun Nov 23, 2025 12:10 am Post subject: Re: 36hp Thermostat Assembly |
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That is an easy mistake to make. You might consider straightening the thermostat rod that passes through the head. In the shape it’s in it likely will bind against the fins of the head.
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ppilotmike
Samba Member
Joined: December 10, 2019
Posts: 109
Location: Oscoda Mi
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| Posted: Sun Nov 23, 2025 5:58 am Post subject: Re: 36hp Thermostat Assembly |
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| I love this forum, so much knowledge! |
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