Thermostat/Flaps, R they necessary? Options

[martinef1963]

I have a question and would like a "wide" view point from this forum on Thermostat/Flaps on a 914

Mine are missing - and I've rcvd one comment saying that they are NOT really necessary.

Can I get some inputs on this topic - while doing some work on my car (I'm a newbie) yesterday - I noticed that the thermostat, thermostat housing, and thermostat cable are missing - only have the pulley.

In addition - where the EFFIN are these flaps? Cause if they are not needed and they are in place - they could be a problem, right?

thanks (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/confused24.gif)

[SirAndy]

QUOTE (martinef1963 @ Mar 6 2005, 05:58 AM)

I have a question and would like a "wide" view point from this forum on Thermostat/Flaps on a 914

you NEED the flaps but you dont need the thermostat !!!

the flaps control how the cooling air is channeled over your cylinders and over the oil-cooler.
if the flaps are removed your oil-cooler will not get any air-flow !!!

but you can savely remove the thermostat and cable.
what that does is, it'll *park* the flaps in full cooling position (max. air to the coil-cooler and cylinders)
if you do this, it'll take longer for the engine to warm up but you'll always get max. cooling ...

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/cool.gif) Andy

PS: do *not* remove the pulley wheel !!! the bolt that holds the wheel goes through and inside the case. if you remove the pulley wheel, you'll have a *major* oil leak ...