Thanks for posting those images and info Frank.

Since Dennis found an incorrect thermostat at a US campout, I assume
this parts problem isn't limited to your neck of the woods.  (Eastern
Canada)

I recently replaced my thermostat. With either old or new thermostat,
even at highway speeds, temp gauge sits higher in warmer ambient
temps, but sits at 12:00 in cooler ambient temps. (e.g. 17C). My rad
is likely the issue, but given your post, I'm curious.

Will the amount or rate of coolant passing the larger disc on the
incorrect thermostat be "ok" until all is pushed to the limit?  e.g.
higher ambient temps, city driving etc. cause this lesser flow to
allow an overheat condition?

Neil.

On Wed, Jul 18, 2012 at 4:46 PM, Frank Condelli <RAlanen@aol.com> wrote:
>         These photos  <https://picasaweb.google.com/102449862149336184707/WaterboxerEnginedVanagonT3Thermostat>  show a correct waterboxer engined Vanagon, T3, thermostat on the right and an incorrect one on the left which seems to be showing up around here on a regular basis.  Being sold and installed by auto parts stores and VW repair shops, the wrong one is causing overheating problems especially in very hot weather conditions as it blocks the flow and bypass in the thermostat housing with its larger bottom disc.  Please check yours if it's been replaced recently before you overheat and ruin your motor.  One found at West River Westys by sleuth Denis Haynes and another today here in Almonte on a Westy that was from Michigan.  Some vendors do not know their parts, beware !
>
>
> Cheers,
>
> Frank Condelli
> Almonte, Ontario, Canada
> '87 VW Westy, '00 Kawasaki 250 Sherpa, "98 Ducati 750 Monster & Lionel Trains (Collection for sale)
> Frank Condelli & Associates - Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa Valley
> Vanagon Stainless Steel Exhaust Systems
> BusFusion a VW Camper camping event, Almonte, ON, June 07 ~ 10, 2012

-- 
Neil n

65 kb image Myford Ready For Assembly  http://tinyurl.com/64sx4rp

'88 Slate Blue Westy to be named.

'81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"  http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/

Vanagon VAG Gas I4/VR Swap Google Group:

http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines