What are the effects of removing the thermostat?
4 Answers
The effects of removing the thermostat: The engine's operating temperature will be lower than before, affecting the engine's thermal efficiency, which can lead to insufficient vehicle power. Additionally, excessively low temperatures can cause poor fuel atomization, and over time, this can easily result in the accumulation of a thick layer of carbon deposits. Furthermore, the engine's warm-up time will be several times longer than normal. The thermostat is a valve that controls the flow path of the coolant, serving as an automatic temperature-regulating device. It typically contains a temperature-sensing component that opens or closes the flow of air, gas, or liquid through thermal expansion or contraction. The thermostat automatically adjusts the amount of water entering the radiator based on the coolant temperature, altering the water's circulation range to regulate the cooling system's heat dissipation capacity, ensuring the engine operates within an appropriate temperature range.
Removing the thermostat can have serious consequences. When I first started working in auto repair, I saw many cases where its absence caused engine temperature issues. Normally, the thermostat regulates coolant flow to ensure the engine warms up quickly and maintains an optimal temperature around 90°C. Without it, the coolant circulates continuously, making the engine take much longer to warm up in cold weather—even the heater blows cold air. This reduces fuel efficiency, potentially increasing fuel consumption by about 10%, and accelerates long-term wear, leading to premature damage to piston rings and bearings. In summer, overheating becomes a risk, with the temperature gauge spiking into the red, possibly even damaging the cylinder head. It also creates safety hazards, like unexpected breakdowns. My advice: don’t remove it. It’s designed to save fuel and protect the engine. If it’s faulty, just replace it with a new one.
With over 20 years of driving experience, I can say removing the thermostat is simply asking for trouble. It acts like a goalkeeper, maintaining the engine's temperature balance. Without it, cold starts become difficult in winter—the engine freezes like a block of ice, fuel consumption spikes by at least 15%, and exhaust emissions increase, polluting the air. On summer highway drives, temperatures fluctuate unpredictably, risking overheating and sudden stalls, which is downright dangerous. Mechanics warn that long-term operation without it leads to increased carbon buildup and internal engine wear, with repairs often costing hundreds. My personal experience confirms that keeping the original thermostat is the most reliable choice; otherwise, the car feels sluggish and unstable.
Young car owners looking to save money might consider removing the thermostat, but it's not worth it. The thermostat plays a crucial role—without it, the engine takes longer to warm up during cold starts, the heater provides less warmth, and fuel consumption increases. On average, annual fuel consumption can rise by 12%, and nitrogen oxide emissions also increase, placing a burden on the environment. On highways, the engine temperature can quickly become uncontrollable, leading to overheating, engine damage, and a shortened vehicle lifespan. Replacing the thermostat is both affordable and ensures peace of mind.
