While cleaning up a rebuilt (by PO) 1.7L engine to use in my project car noticed the thermostat cable and pulley were missing, so thermostat is not connected to flaps. This leave flap open all the time, so guess it keeps engine cooling air flowing but would make warm up take longer Any opinions on if I should use pulley off my old spare engine and reconnect the cable to the thermostat, or should I just leave it the way it is?

try to make it work as OEM, especially if you have the NLA thermostat. It was installed by engineers for reason. you are going to the trouble to refurb a motor and will shorten the longevity of the motor.

Quicker warm up is better for the environment.
I don't use it here in the cold northeast

Its worth replacing, I did...IMHO...

You can get a new thermostat. You can find the bracket and the pulley in the FS/WTB section here on 914world. The cable you can get for $5 at a bike shop (derailleur cable).

I run a t stat but i also just spent a ton of money on a hot rod engine rebuild.

Faster warm up with thermostat. Gives you better driveability, longer engine life, mpg, power and cleaner emissions.
Lots of gain for a small investment in labour and parts.

This was in the Wheeler Dealer 914 episode.

I did a home rebuild and bought a used one from one of our members. Right about the time I installed it I found a good one on a junk engine at a nearby junk yard. Really pleased with my good fortune, now I had one for the '72 waiting a rebuild.

The first one quit after a few months...oh well...so I installed the 2nd one. It worked well...for another 6 months....

I didn't replace it thru the summer but now that the weather is getting cooler I think I'll get out my soldering iron and fix both as well as the other two carcasses I have.

A quick search of the site will get you the procedure complete with excellent photos. And one of our vendors offers rebuilt ones, better than the later VW Bug replacements that they used on Wheeler Dealer. If I were computer savvy I'd put it up for you...

Let's see,...did I mention that I agree with the group...yeah, install one however you have to do it.

I know you said you need the pulley, and you might could get one from here too. Everytime I see a T-stat post I sing the praises of Awesome Powdercoat

Lots of good info and stuff on this site. I linked you to the T-stat page, but look around.

Plus the dude's name is Clark. Not too many of us around.

Thanks,
Clark

The one where the PO bought his own car back.

Great, and I agree with the concensus, it's there for a reason. But its always good to get affirmation! Engine was rebuild in a small town by local shop, so they just left it off.

Thanks to Malcolm2 for the link, will get a new one to install, can get the pulley off my spare engine and being a avid biker have spare derailer cable sitting around, so all set. Now to clean up those oil-soaked heat exchangers while waiting for the new thermostat....yuk.

Did they at least put a bolt back in where the pulley normally mounts?

That thread goes all the way into the case, makes for a nice oil leak when left open.

http://www.awesomepowdercoat.com/thermosta...ed_rebuilt.html

I purchased two rebuilt "T" stats from this guy. I can tell this is not this guys day job so have faith and you will get a nice price. I was very satisfied.

There is a bolt that seals the hole with a washer, but seems they left a lot of other places for oil to leak out!