Air cooled thermostat missing

[woodola]

I've a 2 ltr air cooled 1982 and i have noticed there is no thermostat on the engine, should there definately be one or could it of been taken off for a reason. i've taken the engine apart and rebuilt it as i had been using excessive oil, could this of been the reason and have i probably done all that work for nothing.

[bigherb]

Yes it should have one, but they have long been unavailable so most people leave them off as the cooling system flaps are sprung to the open position, but it makes a noticeable difference to the cold weather drivability until the engine has warmed up.
I convert the type 1 engine thermostats which are still available (although the last one I ordered from VW took a couple of months to come through), All you have to do is remove the threaded part where the type 1 rod screws into the thermostat. I normally apply a small amount of heat to the part you are removing with a pencil blow torch which loosens the thread lock, then use and use a pair of pliers to unscrew it off the thermostat.

[neil3965]

Everything you ever wanted to know about VW Aircooled thermostats here:

http://www.ratwell.com/technical/Thermostats.html

I bought one on ebay for £28, but they're getting pretty rare these days. Good luck!

[Mr Bean]

Different animal but I found the thermostat missing in my £300 Mondeo. So I fitted one and laid a trail of smoke all the way to Dorset from Herts. I knew It needed a short engine but didn't bargain for that!
Cheers
Wolfie
Dream machine now though and apparently best car of 1997 in the eyes of Jeremy to boot! Got taste that man...