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Benefits of removing thermostat

Are there any benefits of removing thermostat in engine

If your engine thermostat is working properly; not stuck open or closed and you think you can improve engine cooling by removing it, think again.

Removing the thermostat can actually worsen the overheating problem

Removing your engine thermostat will not prevent overheating. coolant thermostatIn fact, removing your thermostat can make an overheating problem even worse. That’s because the thermostat creates a small restriction in the cooling system which allows the coolant to take on more heat. When you remove the thermostat, you remove that restriction and the coolant flows faster, taking on less heat and actually increasing the engine temperature.

Removing the thermostat will cause lower MPG

The engine coolant temperature sensor (ECT) monitors engine temperature at all times. The ECM uses the data from the ECT to calculate the air/fuel mixture. The ECM knows you’re trying to start a cold engine by monitoring the ECT and intake ambient temperature (IAT) sensor. During a cold start, the ECM provides a richer mixture. Once the ECT reaches operating temperature, the ECM switches to a leaner mixture. If the engine doesn’t reach full operating temperature, the ECM will continue to provide a rich mixture, which will lower your MPH and reduce engine performance.

Removing the thermostat can cause a P0128 trouble code

In addition to monitoring ECT for operating temperature, the ECM’s in most late model vehicle also monitor the time it takes for the engine to reach operating temperature. It knows the cold start ECT and IAT, RPM and MPH. Based on those values, it calculates how long the engine should take to reach operating temperature. If the ECT doesn’t report operating temperature within that time window, the ECM will set a P0128 trouble code.

There’s no benefit to removing a thermostat

Your engine is designed to operate in a fully warmed range of 195°F to 215°F. If you remove the thermostat, the engine will run outside that range; colder in cold weather, and sometimes above 215° in hot weather.

If you have an overheating issue, fix the root cause

If your thermostat is opening and closing properly, it’s not the cause of an overheating problem. Check the other most likely suspects like a clogged radiator, bad water pump, or leaking head gasket.

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Posted on by Rick Muscoplat

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