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Posted by: 7TPorsh Feb 20 2020, 12:05 PM

No pics handy but I have a 2.4 long block I need to install the oil cooler (new) , fan and shroud from the old engine. Hate the Haynes manual. Are there any good step by step threads with some pics? I have a handful of nuts and parts. Thanks

Posted by: ndfrigi Feb 20 2020, 01:31 PM

check this youtube.

https://youtu.be/fy6sfBcuCOc

Posted by: 7TPorsh Feb 26 2020, 12:24 PM

Thanks I saw that but no good close ups.

Do I need the thermostat flaps? It's a big engine and I'm in California. Car will not be driven cold. Can I just leave that flap rod assembly off?

Thanks

Posted by: poorsche914 Feb 26 2020, 12:34 PM

Yes, you need the flaps.

Posted by: GregAmy Feb 26 2020, 12:54 PM

Edit: DISREGARD. If you do that then you'd be blocking off your oil cooler.

You could leave them off buy you'd need to block the area where the oil cooler flap goes down. Chris Foley replaces that with an aluminum panel when the flaps are removed for his oil cooloer kit. It's the panel in the upper left in the below photo.

Posted by: injunmort Feb 26 2020, 12:58 PM

yes

Posted by: 7TPorsh Feb 26 2020, 01:29 PM

SOunds like a yes , that the flap on at least the oil cooler side has a purpose when the engine is hot. Looks like i'll be straightening that rod out.

Anyone have a decent rod? Mine tweaked taking it all apart.

Posted by: ClayPerrine Feb 26 2020, 02:04 PM

'

I probably have a dozen or more. How many do you need?

Clay

Posted by: Mark Henry Feb 26 2020, 08:02 PM

If VW felt the thermostats wasn't needed for California 914's (plus millions of beetles, buses, T3, T4...not to mention Latin America) can you imagine how money they would have saved.

This was/is a company that didn't install rear window defogers to southern cars just to save a buck.

Posted by: barefoot Feb 26 2020, 09:41 PM

Here's some info: YES you need the flaps !

Posted by: 914Sixer Feb 26 2020, 09:43 PM

Mark summed it up very well. Still amazed that this question pops up. It is an urban legend that should have died a horrible death by now.

Posted by: maf914 Feb 28 2020, 08:27 AM

Barefoot,

Thanks. That is a great illustration of the flap positions and how the air is directed to the oil cooler when the engine is hot, or when the flaps are in the default open position. I agree this was often misunderstood, and continues to be.

Posted by: bbrock Feb 28 2020, 08:42 AM

The other misconception is that you don't need the thermostat if you live in a warm climate. Optimum oil temp is ~200ish F and from what I understand, most engine wear occurs at cold start and during warm up. Faster warm up means less wear.