Cooling flap control thermostat bellows

[jess p]

Hi folks


So while restoring my 914 I’ve noticed that the thermostat bellows that controls my cooling flaps is toast after measuring it and applying heat and measuring its length. I’ve noticed on our host here that they are not available. I’ve seen a few on eBay for around $150.00 but are not for type 4’s.

There is one with part number 111119159 that Autoalanta says will fit 914’s. It is very reasonably priced at under $50.00 although it is a different design. Has anyone used this item on their 914, type 4 and if so did it work. Autoalanta says there is a slight mod needed on the cable.

Dr 914 can you chime in. Thank you

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

The Doc will likely say it's fine, after all it's his company that is selling the part. I don't agree with him on this; the "111" start to the part number shows it's for a Type I (i.e., Bug) engine, not a Type IV engine.

There is an outfit called "Awesome Powdercoat" that repairs or refurbishes actual Type IV thermostats. Far better to have the correct part than the wrong one.

--DD

[jess p]

Dave

Thanks for the reply. I did see the site called Awesome powdercoat but I’m not sure about a reasonable turn around time. I have see the replacement with part number 111119159 has a listing of a variety of VW’s including bus up to year 71.

I’m not sure about demand but I don’t know why Pelican dosen’t have a source for these. Perhaps unbeknownst to many that the bellows has a fluid inside and once it cracks it’s done.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

The Bus up through 71 had a Type I engine, not a Type IV.

AFAIK, the bellows are not being made. Awesome Powdercoat seems to be the go-to for rebuilding them.

--DD

[dr914]

the latest vw thermostat design works great you can see it on wheeler dealer when they tested on a 914 several years ago. The vw type 1 vs type four range is a bit different for opening but still perfectly acceptable. It is critically important to have a thermostat installed on a 914 for proper warmup. I think that Dave and Pelican sell this part, and there are instructions out there on the internet of how to install it