No pics handy but I have a 2.4 long block I need to install the oil cooler (new) , fan and shroud from the old engine. Hate the Haynes manual. Are there any good step by step threads with some pics? I have a handful of nuts and parts. Thanks

check this youtube.

https://youtu.be/fy6sfBcuCOc

Thanks I saw that but no good close ups.

Do I need the thermostat flaps? It's a big engine and I'm in California. Car will not be driven cold. Can I just leave that flap rod assembly off?

Thanks

Yes, you need the flaps.

Edit: DISREGARD. If you do that then you'd be blocking off your oil cooler.

You could leave them off buy you'd need to block the area where the oil cooler flap goes down. Chris Foley replaces that with an aluminum panel when the flaps are removed for his oil cooloer kit. It's the panel in the upper left in the below photo.

yes

SOunds like a yes , that the flap on at least the oil cooler side has a purpose when the engine is hot. Looks like i'll be straightening that rod out.

Anyone have a decent rod? Mine tweaked taking it all apart.

'

I probably have a dozen or more. How many do you need?

Clay

If VW felt the thermostats wasn't needed for California 914's (plus millions of beetles, buses, T3, T4...not to mention Latin America) can you imagine how money they would have saved.

This was/is a company that didn't install rear window defogers to southern cars just to save a buck.

Here's some info: YES you need the flaps !

Click to view attachment

Click to view attachment

Mark summed it up very well. Still amazed that this question pops up. It is an urban legend that should have died a horrible death by now.

Barefoot,

Thanks. That is a great illustration of the flap positions and how the air is directed to the oil cooler when the engine is hot, or when the flaps are in the default open position. I agree this was often misunderstood, and continues to be.

The other misconception is that you don't need the thermostat if you live in a warm climate. Optimum oil temp is ~200ish F and from what I understand, most engine wear occurs at cold start and during warm up. Faster warm up means less wear.