Are my thermostat flaps open or closed?

[morzov]

I have a VW T25 air cooled with 2 litre CU engine

I don’t think the thermostat is working and I had read that when it fails it does so in a safe position - presumably with the flaps open so the engine does not overheat.

I don’t seem to be able to attach a pic but I hope this description suffices.

The cable from the thermostat is intact where it enters the engine bay and is secured by a pinch bolt on a rocker arm.

The cable is slack and I can push the rocker arm forward towards the front of the van which I think from the movement of the bar connecting the two metal flaps is opening them but I can’t really confirm that because I can’t see them.

So it looks like if the thermostat isn’t working. It doesn’t pull on the cable and therefore the flaps don’t open and they are in the closed position.

I hope that makes sense.

Have I got this right?

[R0B]

To post pictures Click on this. https://postimg.cc/ Upload your picture, scroll down, and copy the hotlink for forums link. To copy, click on the pages icon on the right of the link and right click on here and choose paste.

[davidoft1]

The flaps are sprung and fail in the open position, when fitting the cable you have to tension the cable by closing the flaps against it,what makes you suspect the thermostat? Is it over heating? You can unbolt the thermostat with it still in its bracket and it should toward the flaps opening them, the thermostats are no longer available though a type one engine one will work to a fashion

[morzov]

Thanks

I’m afraid that’s beyond my skillset but hopefully my description is adequate

[morzov]

can unbolt the thermostat with it still in its bracket and it should toward the flaps opening them,

Wasn’t quite sure what that meant. Do you mean if I unbolt the thermostat that the flaps will open.

If so I’ll try that - Thankyou.

Mind you I’ve just tried to put the Just Kampers cover in it because I’d done some bodywork and didn’t want it getting wet. Gave up and my wife did it in 10 mins

[morzov]

BTW the thermostat doesn’t move at all so I guess it’s u/s.

My previous comment was about uploading a photo rather than unbolting the thermostat.

But I suppose cutting the cable would have the same effect?

[simonmarsh]

I don’t want to confuse things but it sounds to me that you may be describing the heater controls / cables for the cabin.

[morzov]

No its definitely the thermostat and the cable runs via a wheel into the engine bay.

[Rosie n' Jim]

The lever you describe in the engine bay moves toward the rear of the van to open the cool air flaps. If you loosen the pinch bolt to release the cable the spring will rotate the bar to the flap open position. The van can be used like this, but the oil won't get warm enough in cool weather. Not good long term, but needs must as replacements aren't available.