Thermostat dump
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 914
Likes: 10
From: Brooklet Ga.
Thermostat dump
I have a Dewitts radiator with electric fans and I am thinking about getting rid of my water neck thermostat since there is a sending unit in the radiator to turn the fans off and on. I know all about how the thermostat is supposed to slow down the water and all but I have had cars without them before and didn`t have any problems. Just wondering?
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
The thermostat is NOT there to control the fans. It's to help the engine warm up. You actually need the engine to warm up a bit to get peak performance.
I run a 180* thermostat in mine. 195* thermostats are used in a lot of modern OEM applications to try to keep temps just hot enough to help with emissions. Some go down to 160* for better performance, but a little bit of extra warmth is good to help burn off some of the nasty stuff that builds up in the crankcase.
I run a 180* thermostat in mine. 195* thermostats are used in a lot of modern OEM applications to try to keep temps just hot enough to help with emissions. Some go down to 160* for better performance, but a little bit of extra warmth is good to help burn off some of the nasty stuff that builds up in the crankcase.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 914
Likes: 10
From: Brooklet Ga.
I know all about the intended purpose of the old bimetallc thermostats warming the car up a little quicker but by the time I get to the end of my driveway my car is already at 160. There was some discussion about it slowing the water flow down through the engine to allow the water to pick up more latent heat to be dissipated in the radiator but once the engine is thoroughly heat soaked that argument doesn't hold true either. My concern is that by leaving the old pill type thermostat in the water neck that is just one more thing to possibly fail and if it were to stick closed somewhere as has happened to me with one of my other Vettes then all of the money I have just invested in a radiator and fans would be useless.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
From: Sunshine Coast Qld
Thing is though, without a thermostat, your coolant may not get hot enough for you big expensive fans to come on.
Whoever told you that doesn't have a clue.
But i suppose, what would all the car makers of the world know by spending billions trying to keep their engines at optimum temperature.
But i suppose, what would all the car makers of the world know by spending billions trying to keep their engines at optimum temperature.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,000
Likes: 299
From: New York
A constant flow of water will transfer more heat then water sitting still and as long as you have enough surface area and air flow you potentially will cool better with out a thermostat , but air flow and surface area are critical factors and are limited under the hood of an automobile .
The reason you have temp controls on a motor it so you can reach and maintain operating temps within the confined spaces of an engine compartment. Having 100% flow does not allow you this option , it will be affected by so many factors that your motor will be cold as heck some times and to warm at other times.
I would not remove the thermostat , I also would not run a 160 in a motor with a carb.. Use a 180 buy a quality one and leave it alone.
The reason you have temp controls on a motor it so you can reach and maintain operating temps within the confined spaces of an engine compartment. Having 100% flow does not allow you this option , it will be affected by so many factors that your motor will be cold as heck some times and to warm at other times.
I would not remove the thermostat , I also would not run a 160 in a motor with a carb.. Use a 180 buy a quality one and leave it alone.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 28
From: Burkburnett TX
Not exactly..i have had a few fail and one of them was shut, truck warmed up really fast and didn't stop. Most are some degree of in between when they go out. The failsafe is supposed to mechanically lock open when failed. I've never used one btw, just sounded like it might be the peace of mind skip is looking for. As for me, I just keep an eye on the gauge.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 437
Likes: 3
From: Alvin Texas
One of the purposes of the thermostat is to maintain a uniform temp in the engine. If you don't want a T- stat you could use a restriction like the ones used in some race cars, but you have to figure the size so it takes time and a WAG to get them right.
With out the temp regulator (Thermostat) the engine coolant would be warmer or cooler in different locations in the engine causing "hot" and "cold" spots within the motor.
With out the temp regulator (Thermostat) the engine coolant would be warmer or cooler in different locations in the engine causing "hot" and "cold" spots within the motor.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
Just remove the thermostat. I'm not sure what you think the benefit of doing that will be, but you will get the side-effect of early engine wear and sluggish engine operation for the first 10 minutes or so.
Other than that...and no heater performance for several minutes in cold weather...you will cause no significant problems by removing the T-stat.
Other than that...and no heater performance for several minutes in cold weather...you will cause no significant problems by removing the T-stat.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 7,215
Likes: 1
From: Orlando FL
Just remove the thermostat. I'm not sure what you think the benefit of doing that will be, but you will get the side-effect of early engine wear and sluggish engine operation for the first 10 minutes or so.
Other than that...and no heater performance for several minutes in cold weather...you will cause no significant problems by removing the T-stat.
Other than that...and no heater performance for several minutes in cold weather...you will cause no significant problems by removing the T-stat.
In addition there is the side benefit of the engine oil not heating up and driving the moisture out, this will make the oil go acidic and that is the cause (one of them) of the above quoted early engine wear.
if the engine does not get hot and reach an isothermal (all core temps the same) condition it will not last like it should
just buy the failsafe thermostat and be done
your engine will thank you
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 914
Likes: 10
From: Brooklet Ga.
Not exactly..i have had a few fail and one of them was shut, truck warmed up really fast and didn't stop. Most are some degree of in between when they go out. The failsafe is supposed to mechanically lock open when failed. I've never used one btw, just sounded like it might be the peace of mind skip is looking for. As for me, I just keep an eye on the gauge.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,126
Likes: 15
There are problems reported with the newer Mr. Gasket thermostats. They are a Robertshaw design that is supposed to fail in the open position. I am currently running them in a '69 429 LTD, a '71 429SCJ Mustang and my '77. So far no problems. I get them at Auto Zone in the engine dress up section. I will leave the decision to run without one to you.
mike...
mike...
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 914
Likes: 10
From: Brooklet Ga.
There are problems reported with the newer Mr. Gasket thermostats. They are a Robertshaw design that is supposed to fail in the open position. I am currently running them in a '69 429 LTD, a '71 429SCJ Mustang and my '77. So far no problems. I get them at Auto Zone in the engine dress up section. I will leave the decision to run without one to you. mike...
mike...
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 914
Likes: 10
From: Brooklet Ga.
Unless your useing your corvette as a winter car, you can do this and never have a problem. Car will warm up with in ten minutes and will not overheat... Attachment 47726145
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
It starts with thinking 'stupid OEMs' and goes downhill from there.
It amazes me how long these cars last despite what people do to them.