Thermostat or not ???

[philbrooker]

Good Eve guys,

Just a quick one this eve. Thermostat is not opening (brand new) and I will return it. However do I really need it ? I used to run my K series engine (landrover) with out one as well as my TR7. I never really noticed any differnce.

Thanks,
Phil

[Barry S1]

I ran my S1 without it for a year but it took a long time to
get up to temperature and it was a bit up and down got in in again now
and it runs at 90 as it should so i think its better with it

Barry

[phillpot]

Have heard/read somewhere that there can be too much flow with it removed, so a restrictor plate should be fitted (basically a disc with several holes in)?

[techbotics]

I would keep it if only for better fuel economy, lots of cold short trips with too much fuel could cause bore wash an dilute the oil. Oh I also like a warm heater.

I use my car all year round though you may save it for summer and only do long hoons in which case it's probably ok.

Cheers D S3

[GreenV8S]

You definitely want to have a stat. Without it, it will take ages to warm up (which is bad for the engine) and will stay below the normal operating temperature for long periods under some conditions (also bad for the engine). Also, even when it's up to temperature the engine temperature will be going up and down as the load and air speed changes. That sort of temperature cycling isn't good for the engine.

[philbrooker]

Once again thanks for your help guys, I will put a new one in today, jus a bit annoye tat a brand new QH part is faulty.

Cheers, Phil

[barefootoo]

Had same problem with mine when I first picked it up. Infact the whole system was a shambles. You most definatly need a thermostat but I drilled a 5mm hole in it at the top. This allows any trapped air to be disgorged, and is equal to about 10% of water volume to pass through. In short if it goes while you on the road its not an imediate seizure and blown head gasket, it does give you some measure of lattitude, and warning on the temp gauge. The engine can more than tollerate a 10% differential in temprature. mine is constant at about 90%, so happy with that.

[GreenV8S]

Having a slight leak can soften the shock as the stat starts to open, which can be a good thing as long as you don't over do it. It also helps to vent gas out of the block, which I think is the main reason for doing it. (Some stats have a small jiggle pin that does the same job but seals when you start the engine.) But in freezing cold weather you might find that even 5mm gives too much water flow and the engine is over-cooled. That's only a problem if you expect to drive it in those conditions!