
Is it safe to remove the thermostat in a car?
You should never, ever remove the thermostat. When the engine gets too hot, the thermostat opens up and lets the engine coolant flow through the radiator, where it cools off. When the engine is too cool, the thermostat closes and stops the coolant from flowing through the radiator, so the engine heats back up.
What happens when the thermostat in a car gets too hot?
When the engine gets too hot, the thermostat opens up and lets the engine coolant flow through the radiator, where it cools off. When the engine is too cool, the thermostat closes and stops the coolant from flowing through the radiator, so the engine heats back up.
What happens if you don’t have a thermostat?
If there is no increase in temperature, the engine will clog and stop entirely. This is dependent on how old the car is, but when you drive without a thermostat, the car will consume more fuel. This is because the engine control module (ECM) assumed the engine is yet in a cold state and needs powering up. 1.3. Thermostat replacement
What happens if you remove the thermostat on a Mercedes Benz?
On some engines, Mercedes for sure, removing the thermostat will cause it to overheat. The thermostat has two functions. One is to route hot water to the radiator, the other is to properly recirculate water within the water jacket. Remove it and neither function works correctly. What happens when a thermostat fails?

What is the effect of removing thermostat from a car?
Once the thermostat is removed, it means there is nothing to control the internal temperature of the engine. This results in inconsistent heating and cooling of engine parts which are all not made from the same materials, for example, rubber seals, aluminium pistons, iron blocks, fibre gaskets and so on.
Will a car overheat without a thermostat?
My car has an automatic transmission. Running an engine without the thermostat can cause the engine to overheat due to the coolant passes through the engine too fast and will not let the coolant absorb the heat from the engine.
Is it OK to drive without a thermostat?
If there is no increase in temperature, the engine will clog and stop entirely. This is dependent on how old the car is, but when you drive without a thermostat, the car will consume more fuel. This is because the engine control module (ECM) assumed the engine is yet in a cold state and needs powering up.
How long can I drive without a thermostat?
If the engine gets hotter than the optimum temperature, you know it won't be able to sustain the heat for more than 10 minutes and will eventually die. However, when your engine runs below the optimum temperature, your engine will die slowly yet certainly — it's a death by a thousand cuts.
Can I remove thermostat to stop overheating?
0:203:03When You Do And Do Not Need A Thermostat - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUntil the engine eventually overheats the only way to fix that is a better radiator.MoreUntil the engine eventually overheats the only way to fix that is a better radiator.
What are 10 common causes of overheating?
Common reasons for overheating enginesToo little or no coolant. Driving without proper levels of coolant/antifreeze may cause a coolant system failure. ... Cooling system leaks. ... A broken water pump. ... Radiator issues. ... Oil too low. ... Thermostat failure. ... Issues with the belts and hoses. ... Heater core is plugged up.
Will a lower thermostat help overheating?
A low-temp thermostat gives the cooling system a head start. This will help to prevent Engine Detonation and overheating.
What happens if you remove the thermostat?
So if you remove the thermostat, it is going to take a lot longer for your engine to warm up. This will cause poor engine performance… lower gas mileage, more pollution, poor lubrication, poor heater performance. Once the engine is up to temperature, there really won’t be any issues.
Why do we need a thermostat?
A thermostat is used to bring the engine up to design operating temperature promptly, then keep it at that temperature. This is primarily for economy and emissions control. Without that control, the cars mileage and emissions may suffer. In addition, the thermostat also regulates the FLOW of coolant thru the radiator.
What happens when the car is cold?
Once the car is up to temperature the thermostat opens and allows coolant from the radiator in. If it is dang cold out, and the engine isn’t using much power, it may close again. The engine wants to run at a specific. Continue Reading. I may have been involved in the coolant system design of one or two cars.
Why does my engine have under heating?
The reason is that the thermostat controls the liquid coolant flow to the radiator. When the restriction is removed by removing the thermostat, at idle too much coolant will flow typically causing the engine to fail to reach it’s designed operating temperature.
What does pulling an engine out do?
Pulling it out has the effect of denying the engine a constant and optimum operating/combustion temperature. This causes the ECU, which uses a temperature sensor to assess the operating temp, to adjust the fuel and ignition timing to align with the measured temperature which is now varying widely with conditions.
Why does my engine have a CEL?
With modern engines, the engine management system is engineered to operate best with the engine running at a specific temperature. When the temperature range changes, then sensor settings like O2 sensors change also, and this can cause the engine to run poorly or switch to a default setting and trigger a CEL (Check Engine Light.) It can also cause the engine to run richer and produce more emissions, which will ruin the catalytic converter and cause the vehicle to fail an emissions test.
Why won't my engine retain heat?
The engine will not be able to retain heat because it is instantaneously being cooled when the water pump begins to run. The thermodynamics have been calculated on each engine to use a certain amount of heat from the engine to complete combustion, the vehicle would correct by running full rich (maximum fuel, minimum air) unburned fuel will pass through the exhaust system, foul spark plugs, o2 sensors and clog converters further decreasing fuel efficiency and power until the engine no longer starts under the build up conditions.
Why remove thermostat?
Normally the engine heats up and the thermostat opens at a specific temperature to allow it to warm up quickly and regulate the temperature at that value. (Engines are designed to run on specific temperatures normally termed operating temperature)
What happens when you open a thermostat without a thermostat?
When you open the system without a thermostats the temperature regulation will be gone. Affecting these things:
What happens if the thermostat is stuck in a closed position?
If it is failed in a closed position then you cannot really drive it with the thermostat broken, as the engine would overheat. If the thermostat is stuck open then it is not preventing the flow of water and the coolant is not going to warm up as fast.
Why does my thermostat stay open?
If you are in traffic on a hot day, the thermostat will open up and stay open because not enough air is moving through the radiator. The car will not overheat because once it gets too hot, the fans will come on.
What temperature thermostat should I use for a car?
Now I know that a lot of car makers specify 192, or 195 degrees, and I don’t think you are going to see significant wear using either of these over the 185. Now I also know it is an old Horsepower trick, to put a 160 degree thermostat in there and the 20 COOLER degrees will help make more power. This is what they were talking about when they mentioned increased wear.
When coolant flows slowly through the radiator, as in when the thermostat is only partially open, it’s answer?
When coolant flows slowly through the radiator, as in when the thermostat is only partially open, it’s significantly cooler as it approaches the exit from the rad to the engine. That means that, as there’s less of a temperature difference between coolant, and air passing through the rad, less heat is exchanged.
What happens when your car is cold?
You will use more fuel, as the mixture will stay rich, and not adjust. Your car will be have higher emissions, and on cold days you will have no heat, except when sitting in park at idle for extended periods of time. 12.3K views.
Why would an engine suffer if you removed the thermostat?
That’s because the engine parts would also get extensive damage from you removing the thermostat. The thermostat works on the premise of checks and balances.
Why is a car thermostat important?
A car’s thermostat is an essential component. That’s because it opens and closes to ensure the engine is at the ideal temperature to keep the car running. So, can you run a car without a thermostat? Would there be any consequences if you tried that?
Can an Engine Overheat Without a Thermostat?
Some people might think that the engine will overheat because there isn’t a thermostat to regulate the heat. That, however, isn’t possible since the radiator being so close to the engine will keep in a state of constant cooling.
What happens if the coolant doesn't kick in?
If the coolant doesn’t kick in when this happens, then your thermostat is stuck.
What would happen if you didn't turn on the heat in your car?
The first thing that would happen is that you wouldn’t be able to turn on the heat in your car. The car will still move since the thermostat isn’t that integral in the vehicle’s propulsion.
Does removing the thermostat increase fuel mileage?
Removing the thermostat will increase your fuel mileage. How is that possible? With the coolant next to the engine, it will be colder. That will cause it to think it is running cold because there isn’t enough fuel in the tank.
Can a car run without a thermostat?
Yes, a car can run without a thermostat. The most significant role of the thermostat in any automobile is to regulate the temperature of the engine. That enables the car to run efficiently without issues since the engine won’t overheat.
What is the purpose of thermostat?
TOM: The thermostat is just a valve that goes between the engine and the radiator. It's purpose is to keep the engine at the proper operating temperature. When the engine gets too hot, the thermostat opens up and lets the engine coolant flow through the radiator, where it cools off.
Can shade tree mechanics remove thermostats?
But that just covered up the problem rather than fixing it. It's sort of like taking aspirin for a broken arm. It makes the pain go away, but it doesn't solve the problem.
Does taking out the thermostat hurt?
It makes the pain go away, but it doesn't solve the problem. TOM: But taking out the thermostat can actually do quite a bit of damage on a modern car. Most cars now have computers, which constantly monitor the engine temperature and adjust things accordingly.
Does removing the thermostat make a car cooler?
TOM: Yes, Lee, removing the thermostat does make the car run cooler. But you should never, ever do it.
What are the consequences of driving a car without a thermostat?
Consequences of driving your car without thermostat. 1.1. The coolant. The thermostat is a valve that's sitting between the car engine and the radiator. Its major purpose is to maintain an optimal temperature on the engine. The coolant from the radiator flows through the engine to keep it cool. When the engine heats up, ...
What temperature does a car run at when you remove the thermostat?
The average temperature a car engine is expected to run in is 80-100 degree centigrade. If you drive your car without a thermostat, it will run at 50 degree centigrade. When the car drives at this temperature, moisture or humidity will form.
Why does my thermostat keep my engine cool?
When the engine heats up, the thermostat will expand and allow the coolant to flow to the engine to keep it cool. It also prevents the coolant from flowing to the radiator till the engine heats up. (it maintains a proper temperature so the engine doesn't go cold). Now, when you remove the thermostat, the engine stays cool since ...
How long does it take for a thermostat to wear out?
1.2. Engine parts. When you start a cold engine, the parts will wear out only inside the time of five minutes.
Where is the thermostat located in a car?
The thermostat is a valve that's sitting between the car engine and the radiator. 2. How to solve the lack of heat in the engine. When there's no heat in the engine, do this. You’ll use a large cardboard and place it on the radiator (in front of it).And it should be between the grill and radiator.
What to do if your engine overheats?
If the engine overheats, stop the procedure and take off the cardboard. The radiator cap.
Why does my car go through a closed loop?
The engine will go through the closed loop procedure if the engine has gone beyond a particular temperature. If there is no increase in temperature, the engine will clog and stop entirely. This is dependent on how old the car is, but when you drive without a thermostat, the car will consume more fuel. This is because the engine control module (ECM) ...
What happens if you remove the thermostat?
As with all engines, if you remove the thermostat, the coolant will not circulate through the engine evenly. Without a thermostat, much of the coolant entering the head will take the path of least resistance streight back to the radiator. You may not know that this is happerning depending on where the temperature sensor is located.
What to do if your car thermostat is too hot?
Alternatively, let your car idle for a while and open the hood with the engine still running. With a heat-resistant glove on, squeeze the hose near the middle.
What temperature should the radiator hose be?
The temperature for the radiator hose should be lower than the temperature of the engine. If they are the same, then the thermostat is stuck in the open position.
How to tell if thermostat is stuck?
To quickly tell if your thermostat is stuck, watch the flow of coolant through your radiator.
Why is my thermostat stuck closed?
As the engine heats up, the thermostat should open up and allow the coolant to flow from the radiator to the engine. If you see the coolant flowing through the radiator, then the thermostat opened and is working properly. If not, then it is most likely stuck closed.
How to remove thermostat housing from engine?
Use a screwdriver to loosen the nut on the tube clamp and then pull the hose off of the engine. Set the end of the hose aside for now so you can access the thermostat housing on your engine. Place a shop cloth or rag in the end of the hose to prevent dirt or debris from getting inside it. ...
How cold is the thermostat?
If the temperatures are within 10° Fahrenheit (18° Celsius) of one another, then the thermostat is working properly. However, if the hose is still substantially cooler than the engine, then there isn’t any coolant running through it and the thermostat stayed closed.
