914 2.0 cooling question, Any potential downside to this proposed modification? Options

[parrish911]

I have a '73 2.0 that is primarily used for auto-x with occasional weekend drives. I live in Tampa, FL. There is a copper bellows type thermostat that is used to control a flapper valve that routes cooling air. The bellows expands with heat and gradually opens the flapper valve, directing more air to the cylinders.

My question, is there any downside to bypassing the bellows and leaving the flapper valve in the always open position? I don't really deal with 'cold' weather and I am not convinced there is any benefit to having this on the engine, given how I am using the car.

I would welcome your thoughts on this.

Thanks,

Steve

[Alapone]

Sorry I have nothing to add on the topic just more questions from a newb. I recently bought a 1975 914 2.0 that I am relatively certain has nonfunctional thermostat. The car's FI had been tuned to a high idle by the previous owner (i have to assume just for the sale, what a great guy) to avoid the low start temp and low idle caused by the thermostat problem i recently realized i have. I now have a pretty significant oil leak at what looks like the passenger side pushrod tube seal ( oil everywhere on passanger side this is really just a guess). With the low start up temp that is associated with a busted thermo could this oil leak I am experiencing be related. Also once the engine is up to running temp (after 10 minutes) the temp gauge stays fixed significantly through half somewhere between m and P on the gauge (2/3-3/4). Is this unusual? Safe to say the engine is not getting the proper amount of air over the cylinders. Is there anyway to troubleshoot flaps are failed in the improper position, something wrong with my fan? Are the two issues related? Please any help is much appreciated.

[nathansnathan]

Sorry I have nothing to add on the topic just more questions from a newb. I recently bought a 1975 914 2.0 that I am relatively certain has nonfunctional thermostat. The car's FI had been tuned to a high idle by the previous owner (i have to assume just for the sale, what a great guy) to avoid the low start temp and low idle caused by the thermostat problem i recently realized i have. I now have a pretty significant oil leak at what looks like the passenger side pushrod tube seal ( oil everywhere on passanger side this is really just a guess). With the low start up temp that is associated with a busted thermo could this oil leak I am experiencing be related. Also once the engine is up to running temp (after 10 minutes) the temp gauge stays fixed significantly through half somewhere between m and P on the gauge (2/3-3/4). Is this unusual? Safe to say the engine is not getting the proper amount of air over the cylinders. Is there anyway to troubleshoot flaps are failed in the improper position, something wrong with my fan? Are the two issues related? Please any help is much appreciated.

If the car has been sitting, you may have a nest on top of your oil cooler or cylinders. it could also be a choked up oil cooler. I don't think that's enough to go on, though, to think you're overheating.

The flaps or thermostat don't affect idle except indirectly with oil warmup viscocity change, and have little to do with leaking oil except an engine that runs real hot may damage seals.

If you can move the flaps on their pivot when it's cold, that usually means the thermostat isn't contracting/is shot. if it's good and adjusted, it should be pulling the 'lever' off the flap pivot down.