thermostat

[scruff123]

jst wondering is there any harm in running no thermostat other than taking longer to warm up?

[wbski007]

Thermostat helps slow down the coolant so it stays in the rad longer, if you run with no thermostat the coolant pass's thru the rad too fast and doesn't get a chance to cool off, it just keeps getting hotter and hotter, thermostat closes and holds coolant there so it gets a chance to cool, with no thermostat in the winter the motor will run too cold and too hot in the summer, trust me you need one.

[geeves]

Not entirely so bad bad things can happen as the restriction of the thermostat affects the water that goes down the bypass. This circulates water while the thermostat is closed but also is the feed to the turbo. Thats one water supply you dont want to mess with.
Emergencies only

[wbski007]

I didn't know the turbo got any cooling, mine doesn't, that I know of??

[geeves]

If it doesnt you will be doing a 5 minute cool down every time you drive. Its only the very old turbos (1970s) that dont have cooling. Those one glow red when you drive hard and orange when you thrash it

[4x4fun]

lol I had a 2lt (Toyota turbo diesel) and the turbo on that didn't have water cooling and I got that so hot my mate lit his cigarette off it!

[Kenneth]

I have to comment on the function of the thermostat. I think its purpose is to reduce the flow of coolant through the block to allow it to rise to optimum operating temperature. The engine will run colder if the thermostat is removed which is not good for the engine.

[jackmech2]

I have to comment on the function of the thermostat. I think its purpose is to reduce the flow of coolant through the block to allow it to rise to optimum operating temperature. The engine will run colder if the thermostat is removed which is not good for the engine.

I would agree here. The thermostat stays closed untill operating temp when it then bypasses the water through into the radiator to keep it cool. With no thermostat it would just take longer to heat the engine...and u.

[geeves]

Without a thermostat the engine might never heat up. The cooling system is designed with far more capacity than is needed most of the time so the thermostat restricts flow for much of the time.

[wbski007]

try running with no thermostat in really hot weather pulling a caravan say and see what happens, after a good lenth of time you'll start to over heat, the thermostat can work two ways, grant you on a normal or cold day, your motor will run to cool, it all boils down to one thing, its best to have one!