Rick's Free Auto Repair Advice

There’s no upside to removing your thermostat

Removing your thermostat can make an overheating problem even worse

If your engine thermostat is working properly; not stuck open or closed and you think you can improve an engine overheating problem by removing it, think again. There are no benefits to removing your thermostat. It’s not a fix for an overheating problem.

Removing your thermostat can actually make your overheating problem eve worse

Removing the thermostat will not prevent overheating. coolant thermostatIn fact, removing it can make an overheating problem even worse. In normal operation, the thermostat creates a small restriction in the cooling system. That restriction slows coolant flow slightly, increasing “dwell time” between the coolant and the engine, allowing it to pick up more heat and carry that heat to the radiator.

When you remove the thermostat, you speed up coolant flow, which reduces dwell time, resulting faster coolant flow and less heat removal; the last thing you want if your engine is overheating.

Removing it will 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.

Removing the thermostat will cause lower MPG

An engine runs most efficiently at around 195°F to 215°F. Most late model vehicles have a 191° to 195°F thermostat from the factory.If you remove your thermostat, and your engine runs cooler (I’m not talking here about an overheating engine), it wont run as efficiently.

There’s simply no benefit to removing it

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.

©, 2021 Rick Muscoplat

 

 

Posted on by Rick Muscoplat



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