Thermostat not working ?, Engine running hot Options

[North Coast Jim]

Drove about 50 miles at ambient temps of 90 degrees. All flat terrain. Turnpike driving at 75 mph. Engine temp continued to rise approaching red zone. Slowed down and over time temps stabilized. Still high in my estimation. I only have the temp gauge in the console. The std gauge.

Took a picture of the thermostat cable and flap connection when I got back home. Reviewed it with a cold engine and compared. The flap control isn't moving. Looks like thermostat is not working as all other components work and are not bound up. This is a hard to find part. Any suggestions for where to go and purchase.

Lastly I've not yet got around to assembling the heat control in the car. I don't have the flaps on either side at the bottom of the blower housing. Neither do I have the lower heat shields installed. I do have the cylinder shields installed on the bottom. Do these components effect engine cooling ??

Appreciate any and all help. Want to get this fixed before Octeenerfest.

[nditiz1]

After thought now, but you don't need any gasket for the oil pump. 518 locktite and you are good to go. I also don't like melling personally. In a beetle its fine, but I would go blue printed stock first, then Schadek, then a good stock one as far as choices.

Timing seems a little high, but not knowing your setup its hard to determine. If it runs and runs well that might not be the issue. Definitely check the function of the T-stat with a heat gun.