'Cooling flaps' in top of engine tin, Cable activated? How do these function? Options

[johnnie5]

Just as the title states....
When I was dressing my new motor I noticed these 'reverse' flaps. But have no idea what cable would hook up to the flapper arm, or where it would come from? Or what would activate it?
Someone please enlighten me...

[Joe Ricard]

The thermostat controls the warming up of the engine.
As in the engine will come up to temp lots quicker. which is what you want , so the cylinder and piston will have less blow by. Happens when things are cold.

THAT IS WHAT THE THERMOSTAT DOES.

[Keoni914]

Interesting information for us newbies! Thanks

One question please, does one need to move the position of the connection point for the wire, completely forward on the flap connection thingie. I didn't know the flaps are positioned in the default cooling position.

Does it make sense to connect the wire while the flaps are closed? (ie tension on the thermostat wire.)

Thanks

What a great forum!!

Keoni914

[type47]

One question please, does one need to move the position of the connection point for the wire, completely forward on the flap connection thingie. I didn't know the flaps are positioned in the default cooling position.

Does it make sense to connect the wire while the flaps are closed? (ie tension on the thermostat wire.)

The flaps are to be connected so that they are "under tension", that is, the cable is tightened under the holding nut so the shaft is pushed against the spring. You could use a third hand in tightening the nut on the cable. As the engine warms and blows warm then hot air onto the thermostat, it expands and the spring tension on the rod that the flaps are mounted to, moves to the correct position for cooling.

I've read where someone used a bike brake or gear cable for the thermostat cable. In the factory installation, there is a small grommet (basically a rubber disk with a hole) where the cable goes through the tin.