anyone have a photo showing how thermostat rod connects to flaps

[DSVW]

Hi,
I have a 1966 all stock 6 volt bug. Had to remove the thermostat and the rod came out as well.
I have the generator out of the shroud so I can see all of the flaps. I am just not sure where, how and what it connects to.
Thanks

[Eric&Barb]

A quick search for "thermostat" in the "Gallery":

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_search.php...t_dir=DESC

Found these just a few images down:

and

So you are probably missing the speed nut and washer.
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[Eric&Barb]

A riveting must read:

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...mp;start=0
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[DSVW]

Thank you. It looks like my metal rod that attaches to the flap is broken. I do have the thermostat in place and it functions.

Now….to locate a rod.

[Eric&Barb]

Several versions of earlier rods. Here is the one you are looking for:

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=4083075&highlight=#4083075
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[DSVW]

Thank you

[KTPhil]

Expect to have to straighten and shim every step of the mechanical path from thermostat to flaps. No binding or rubbing or looseness! It's a PITA, but worth it.
_________________
Current Fleet:
- '71 Fastback
- '69 Westfalia
Retired:
- '67 Beetle
- '65 Beetle (x2)
- '65 Bus
- '71 Squareback

[DSVW]

I have read that there are some thermostats and rods made in Mexico that are now available. Has anyone had any luck with those and would that work on a 66

[DSVW]

Do you think it will be necessary to remove the fan shroud to get the broken piece of the rod out and reinsert the new one?

Maybe it would be easier to just remove it or is it the same just leaving it in and working around the tight corners?

Thanks for any input.

[Eric&Barb]

[DSVW]

Yes, If I could do this all over again, I would have removed the engine from the beginning.
I pulled off the carb, the generator and unbolted the fan shroud, but I still cant get it enough out of the way. I think I will pull the engine out tomorrow if I have time.
It looks like my thermostat is not fully functioning. It opens a little but is kind of stretched in the almost fully opened position.
I will have to locate a thermostat.
The other thing I will need to figure out is where the thermostat rod goes through the engine and attaches to the flap. I think pulling the engine will help me with finding this too.

[Eric&Barb]

[Eric&Barb]

Good time to check out many things of maintenance that you can not do with engine in situ or would be so much easier to do with the engine out. To not do so, can set you up to having to remove the engine again and again.....

1. When did you check gear oil level in the transaxle, should be at least checked every other tune up session, 6,000 miles. Absolutely need to be changed every 30,000 miles, or if you do not know when last changed, do so now. While that can be done with the engine in, lots easier with it out.

2. Check and if need be replace swing axle boots. Again can be done with the engine in situ, but why make things harder.

3. End play of the crankshaft. Too much play there the crankshaft becomes a kind of battering ram and the end play gets bigger and bigger, faster and faster.

4. How new are the clutch parts?? Might be a good time to:

A. Pull the clutch disc out to check that it is not close to minimum thickness.

B. How is the throw out bearing? Does the spinning part of it feel loose, like it is worn out?

C. How does the throw out bearing fit into the operating shaft? If the TO bearing feel kind of loose to the shaft the fork arms might be too worn down, if so the bearing can come loose.
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[DSVW]

Thank you. I now see that it goes into the inner hole closer to the case.

I disconnected my engine but did not have to drop it completely out to pull the shroud.

I did discover that my thermostat rod was snapped.
I welded it back together and all looks good.
Just in case it is bent, Is there any wiggle room to adjust the thermostat rod once it is through the engine before I screw on the thermostat?

Also, speaking of thermostat. I tested mine yesterday and it does move and contract with heat and cold, but I think I have an issue.

My thermostat seems worn out in that it does not contract fully. There is only a small amount of room for it to expand.
What do you think of the photos attached. They were taken in 80-degree temps in my garage.

Thanks for all of your help.

[KTPhil]

Looks failed to me.
_________________
Current Fleet:
- '71 Fastback
- '69 Westfalia
Retired:
- '67 Beetle
- '65 Beetle (x2)
- '65 Bus
- '71 Squareback

[Eric&Barb]

[Eric&Barb]

[DSVW]

That what I thought but always like a second opinion.
I think I will just order a thermostat and new pushrod.
Thanks for your help

[aquifer]

When you thread the new thermostat onto the new rod under the jugs, there is a square hole in the bracket that the thermostat sits in, as you can see. My advice is if the thermostat doesn't line up with the square hole when it gets tight on the rod, go ahead and LOOSEN it slightly to line it up rather than tighten it more. You might accidentally twist the rod itself too much if you try to tighten it more to get it lined up. It can't unscrew when it's in place, so having the rod slightly loose is better than twisting it too tight. I'm talking about a SLIGHT loosening, less than 1/4 of a turn. Obviously you can get it snug and be fine, but if you really need to give it a tight twist, then don't do that, loosen it instead.
_________________
Project vehicles:
1967 Beetle #1. Bought in 2024, mostly original, October 1966 build date. Java Green.
1967 Beetle #2. Bought in the mid 80's, restored myself in the late 90's, June 1967 build date. Java Green.
1998 Jaguar XJR. Bought in 2015, rust free AZ car, refurbished myself. Driven in nice weather.

Parts needed:
Original brown rubber floor mats for a '67
Original gazelle seat upholstery for a ‘67

[KTPhil]

One more suggestion... either use a split washer or mild locktite on that bottom bolt. I've had two come loose and drop on the road before doing this.
_________________
Current Fleet:
- '71 Fastback
- '69 Westfalia
Retired:
- '67 Beetle
- '65 Beetle (x2)
- '65 Bus
- '71 Squareback