Thermostat assembly

[THall]

I've discovered the PO removed the entire thermostat assembly from my '78. Anyone know where I can source the flaps and rod assembly? I've been able to locate the actual thermostat (T1 modified), bracket, and cable.

Thanks,

-Tim

[vwlover77]

Did a Samba classified search on "Flaps" in the Late Bay Parts forum, came up with only one ad:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/ ... id=1105920

The searched for "Fan":

Looks like the flaps are still in this one:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/ ... ?id=898801

Might see if this guy will sell you what you need:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/ ... ?id=895039

Or this guy:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/ ... id=1074932

[Hippie]

Try bustedbus.com? They are like an online salvage yard.
They pulled all the flaps and links for my '69 cooling system, in excellent used condition, from their yard, cleaned and painted them, and express shipped them in a box to get them to me while I still had my engine out. The paint was still slightly tacky because they rushed if for me. Very nice.

[Amskeptic]

I've discovered the PO removed the entire thermostat assembly from my '78. Anyone know where I can source the flaps and rod assembly? I've been able to locate the actual thermostat (T1 modified), bracket, and cable.

Thanks,

-Tim

Pull the #4 spark plug connector and get a flashlight mirror investigation going on as you sight back towards the fan housing under the tin. If you see oil cooler fins from this vantage point, the left flap is indeed missing. If you only see black with possible stripes in the murky darkness, that would be the left "flap" covering the oil cooler, a good thing.
Colin
(try to find a metal pulley for the cable)

[THall]

I've discovered the PO removed the entire thermostat assembly from my '78. Anyone know where I can source the flaps and rod assembly? I've been able to locate the actual thermostat (T1 modified), bracket, and cable.

Thanks,

-Tim

Pull the #4 spark plug connector and get a flashlight mirror investigation going on as you sight back towards the fan housing under the tin. If you see oil cooler fins from this vantage point, the left flap is indeed missing. If you only see black with possible stripes in the murky darkness, that would be the left "flap" covering the oil cooler, a good thing.
Colin
(try to find a metal pulley for the cable)

Thanks to all for all the ideas and suggestions.
Colin, I will know for certain soon what's all missing as I'm currently taking things apart. I've got all the rear tins, engine seal, cooling fan and belt off currently. What is the recommendation on the alternator at this point. Do I remove that first and then take off the fan housing or should that be removed as a unit.

My plan is to break down as much as I can to:
1. Learn about my engine and how to properly maintain it.
2. Fix things that the PO may have messed up (i.e. thermostat removal).
3. Clean, and find the source of leaks.
4. Have everything shiny and clean and ready for re-installation upon Colin's visit.

-Tim

[Amskeptic]

I've discovered the PO removed the entire thermostat assembly from my '78. Anyone know where I can source the flaps and rod assembly? I've been able to locate the actual thermostat (T1 modified), bracket, and cable.

Thanks,

-Tim

Pull the #4 spark plug connector and get a flashlight mirror investigation going on as you sight back towards the fan housing under the tin. If you see oil cooler fins from this vantage point, the left flap is indeed missing. If you only see black with possible stripes in the murky darkness, that would be the left "flap" covering the oil cooler, a good thing.
Colin
(try to find a metal pulley for the cable)

Thanks to all for all the ideas and suggestions.
Colin, I will know for certain soon what's all missing as I'm currently taking things apart. I've got all the rear tins, engine seal, cooling fan and belt off currently. What is the recommendation on the alternator at this point. Do I remove that first and then take off the fan housing or should that be removed as a unit.

My plan is to break down as much as I can to:
1. Learn about my engine and how to properly maintain it.
2. Fix things that the PO may have messed up (i.e. thermostat removal).
3. Clean, and find the source of leaks.
4. Have everything shiny and clean and ready for re-installation upon Colin's visit.

-Tim

Remove the alternator with the fan housing. Shiny and clean is good.
Colin

[z]

which engine is this? 1800 cc?

If so, now I know where the flapper box goes.

If I don't have the fan, or any hoses, then which holes should be covered to aid in keeping the engine as cool as possible?

[Amskeptic]

which engine is this? 1800 cc?

If so, now I know where the flapper boxes go.

If I don't have the fan, or any hoses, then which holes should be covered to aid in keeping the engine as cool as possible?

Get the fan and the hoses.
Colin
(oh all RIGHT, block the fresh air INLET holes at the exchangers. Do not block the outlet holes ever. Cover any holes in the tins where hoses/pipes are supposed to go through to help keep hot under-engine air from invading the cool-the-engine air in the engine compartment)

[z]

Thanks Colin.

I think I have seen a sketch around that identifies these ports you are mentioning. In fact I saw a small one around here in another thread. Where can I get a large one so I can clearly identify the operation of hot and cool air, as I understand what you are saying, but I am unable to pin point it within the engine compartment.

Again, thanks a great deal.

PS: The more I read, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I realize I don't know anything.

[Amskeptic]

Thanks Colin.

I think I have seen a sketch around that identifies these ports you are mentioning. In fact I saw a small one around here in another thread. Where can I get a large one so I can clearly identify the operation of hot and cool air, as I understand what you are saying, but I am unable to pin point it within the engine compartment.

Again, thanks a great deal.

PS: The more I read, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I realize I don't know anything.

Page from my book that may be finished before the next meteorite/cataclysmic die-off:



Incoming air comes down the hoses from the blower to pipes that enter exchangers themselves. If you can seal off the pipes above the tin "line of demarcation", then just seal them off. If the pipes are missing, then you have to have heat-resistant block offs at the exchangers themselves plus block offs so the tins do not have holes. The fan also pumps air into the exchangers. We want this. VW engineers wanted this. It cools the exhaust pipes, which helps to draw heat from the heads and exhaust valves. That is why the heater valves are designed to dump the air that has passed through the exchangers at all times whether you use it to heat the cabin or not.

I do recommend that your fix the car correctly right off, no screwing around with cobbled nonsense.
Colin

[z]

Alright brother, I'm getting this...so by exhaust valves, you mean "flapper boxes", correct? If so, then I know what I have to do to ensure the engine compartment is as tight as possible with what I have. Thanks for the guidance and assistance.

PS: Certainly want to encourage you to move forward with your book. Great idea, investment and help for all. Best of luck on this endeavor.

Sinc.
Z

[bajaman72]

Book?? Your writing a book?? I've seen some of your drawings. A book from the infamous Colin would be a great help for an idjit like me.

[z]

Thanks Colin.

I think I have seen a sketch around that identifies these ports you are mentioning. In fact I saw a small one around here in another thread. Where can I get a large one so I can clearly identify the operation of hot and cool air, as I understand what you are saying, but I am unable to pin point it within the engine compartment.

Again, thanks a great deal.

PS: The more I read, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I realize I don't know anything.

Page from my book that may be finished before the next meteorite/cataclysmic die-off:



Incoming air comes down the hoses from the blower to pipes that enter exchangers themselves. If you can seal off the pipes above the tin "line of demarcation", then just seal them off. If the pipes are missing, then you have to have heat-resistant block offs at the exchangers themselves plus block offs so the tins do not have holes. The fan also pumps air into the exchangers. We want this. VW engineers wanted this. It cools the exhaust pipes, which helps to draw heat from the heads and exhaust valves. That is why the heater valves are designed to dump the air that has passed through the exchangers at all times whether you use it to heat the cabin or not.

I do recommend that your fix the car correctly right off, no screwing around with cobbled nonsense.
Colin

I found the fan and pipes that goes to the HE:

In the meantime, I guess I need to cover the two holes for the pipes in the engine compartment. Any suggestions on what to use? Here is the right one:

Also, am I supposed to block the holes where the pipes should go on the HE??? I mean this hole (right HE) as well as on the left side in the meantime??:

The Texas VW Classic is approaching in two weeks and would like to drive without heating worries to it. My engine's last compression test done back 18MAR10 was:

#1 - 135
#2 - 125
#3 - 120
#4 - 120

I have only put 244 miles since then. So not that much use.

Any info would be much appreciated, as I really want to head over on the bus, but of course not at her expense.

Thanks,
Z

[Amskeptic]

am I supposed to block the holes where the pipes should go on the HE???

The Texas VW Classic is approaching in two weeks and would like to drive without heating worries to it.
I really want to head over on the bus, but of course not at her expense.

Yes. You will be doing yourself a big favor if you can get the pipes properly installed on the exchangers. They get hot down there, and installed pipes will let you block them off up in the engine compartment where they are much cooler. If you have the fan and pipes and fresh air hoses, it might be just as easy to stick them in. If you have the flaps in the blower, you do not need to electrically wire the blower or anything, just having the pipes, hoses and blower in place will prevent the hot air from escaping into the engine compartment.
To install the pipes in an already dressed engine, you will need to remove the rear tins and loosen the screws holding the rear of the upper cylinder tins to the fan housing. Then you can lift them up a bit to finagle the pipes in place. There is a 10mm bolt that holds the left pipe onto the exchanger eyelet, the right pipe sometimes has a tab held down onto the exchanger with an engine tin screw or a little 10mm bolt.
Colin
Colin

[z]

Argh, I feel like a total donkey!!!

I have spent pretty much all day reading on The Samba trying to figure out how to plug the holes because I assumed that I could not install the pipes without dropping engine.

Knowledge is all about asking the correct questions!

Here's a link to The Samba with what I did today: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=458322

Thank you so much Colin!!! Of course I rather install the pipes and the fan. And yes, the fan does have the flaps,

My engine is already dressed, so I'll undo the tin in the engine compartment where the pipes goes. I guess this would be the same as the "upper cylinder tins" since I'm not sure which ones are those, it should be location based, correct.

Again, thanks a great deal!

Luis