overheating engine
 

hello, I received a 71' 914 as payment for working on another car. when the former owner drove it to my house, it was overheating and smoking. upon investigation, I found about 1 1/2 quarts of water in the sump when I drained the oil. also, car would not start after he brought it to me. Found "0" compression on all cylinders. Thinking I had some stuck valves or piston rings stuck in the grooves I started to disassemble the engine.no stuck valves, no stuck rings. Pistons did look like they were dripped in mud. But ,my question rihgt now is-with the thermostat bellows completely removed from the engine,will that cause it to overheat? the former owner said he had benn driving the car for years that way and didn't know it was missing. I know I have alot of work ahead of me , but I am asking one question at a time. thanks,jim

Check to see if the flaps controlled by the bellows (one on the driver side and one on the passenger side) are still in place. If the bellows wire breaks (or bellows is missing) the spring on the flaps will make the drivers side go to full open allowing cool air in, and the passenger side flap goes to closed to divert air to the oil cooler - seemingly that would be okay depending on the climate...but most 914 experts will explain that the bellows/flap system is a critical component for this engine no matter what the climate.

But that being said there are many reasons the car could be overheating....

It is important for these air-cooled engines to have everything in place - including the engine compartment seals, etc.

I'm not sure i would consider this car as "payment" ;)

Not sure how the car could even run with zero compression, they won't
even run with 60lbs. Insure the bellows cable is adjusted correctly and
as 94teener mentioned the bellows must be installed. Not only does
it aid cooling but warmup as well. Make sure you thoroughly clean the
oil cooler before reinstalling.