Bukh DV36 Question

Hi Guys

I recently purchase a Bukh DV36, but I'm little confused by how it may have previously been plumbed. The link between the intake and thermostat seems to have been blocked at both ends (see image). I think this would cause the motor to run cold all the time, and can't think why this possibly would of been done.
Before I go about the hassle of plumbing the two together again (as shown in the picture from the manual) can anyone elude to why this may have been set up this way?

Cheers

 

Check if there is, in fact a thermostat at all. If it is removed (or the wrong type) for some reason, plugging the thermostat inlet forces the cooling water through the heat exchanger and prevents sea water to go directly to exhaust.

And the exhaust bend seems a bit odd, where is the water connection?

 

Looks like a custom fabrication. I figure the pipe coming towards the camera is the water jacket and the actual exhaust points away.

The circled connections don't look blocked off but necked down as someone's jury-rigged fixes/mods.

 

I think I've figured it out.
I suspect the lower pipe I circled in the picture must of been fed to a overboard telltale, instead of up past the thermostat into the exhaust.

 

.....and the possible problem with that is that there is no circulation through the exhaust manifold during the heating-up period, unless there is a relief hole in the thermostat, or the thst is removed. Either way it is an indication something is not top standard.