removing the thermostat

[cawkazn]

so my car is running hot, I was thinking of removing the thermostat, but I dont know if this would be a good idea or not?

 

[Carguy3J]

Unless your problem is a bad/sticking thermostat, then no, removing it won't help. And if the t-stat IS the problem, then you might as well just put a new one in while you have it "apart" to remove the old one.

Running with no t-stat will lower your MPG, as well as increase your emissions, which could be a big concern for you, being in CA. It will also increase wear and tear on your engine. Further, in cool weather, it will take longer for you to have heat. All of this is because the thermostat is intended to restrict coolant flow when the engine is cold, allowing it to reach operating temp quicker. Also, it helps to keep it at operating temps as you go down the road. Running w/o a t-stat causes the engine to take longer to warm up , and can prevent it from ever reaching proper operating temps, even in a warm location like CA.

 

[2000StreetRod]

sludge

Running an engine with the thermostat removed promotes the accumulation of sludge. When the sludge gets real bad it can prevent oil from draining properly back into the oil pan for pump pickup.

 

[Anime]

Thermostats are equipped with a bypass valve, which decreases engine warm-up time and increases engine cooling efficiency. Therefore, if the engine tends to overheat, removal of the thermostat would have an adverse effect, and cause a lowering of cooling efficiency.

 

[Chikar]

If your engine is running hot removing the thermostat isn't the solution. As decribed in other posts the thermostat is there for a reason. Removing it does not find the cause of the problem.

Thermostats are cheap so the thing I'd do is replace it with a new one if you're considering going to the trouble of removing the old one.

The running hot can be caused by a partially plugged radiator, a weak water pump, hoses that are collapsing and reducing water flow, a bad fan clutch, and so on. It's even possible you just have a bad temperature sending unit or temperature gauge but the engine temperature is OK.

This is one of those problems where you have to start troubleshooting/diagnosing systems and determine what the real problem is.

The good news is that this forum is loaded with very helpful information from a huge number of people that help each other out. Try searching for overheating and I think you'll find information from others that will help to solve your problem.