What are the effects of removing the thermostat in summer?
3 Answers
The effects of removing the thermostat in summer are as follows: 1. Efficiency: After removing the thermostat, the engine's operating temperature will be lower than before, which will affect the engine's thermal efficiency, leading to insufficient power. 2. Preheating time: After removing the thermostat in summer, the engine's preheating time will increase several times compared to normal, and the wear on internal parts may even increase by several dozen times. 3. Fuel consumption: Due to the engine's lower operating temperature, poor fuel atomization can occur, which over time can lead to the accumulation of thick carbon deposits, significantly impacting the vehicle's fuel efficiency.
With over a decade of experience in auto repair, I strongly advise against removing the thermostat in summer. This seemingly insignificant component plays a crucial role. Without it, coolant directly enters the major circulation loop, flowing so rapidly that the radiator can't dissipate heat effectively, ironically increasing the risk of overheating. Low engine temperatures accelerate wear, spike fuel consumption, and cause the electric fan to run excessively. The most serious issue is uneven thermal expansion/contraction of cylinder blocks, which often leads to sand hole leaks over time. For better cooling, thoroughly cleaning your radiator is a far more practical solution.
Last year, I took the thermostat out for convenience, but ended up shivering all winter! Things got even worse in summer when I turned on the AC—the temperature gauge often stayed stuck in the low range. The mechanic said this caused incomplete combustion, making the exhaust smell terrible, and I almost failed the annual inspection. Looking back, I regret it—not only did fuel consumption increase by 1.5 liters, but the engine also made a rattling noise during cold starts. Now, I've installed an original 82°C thermostat, and the coolant temperature stays stable around 90°C, which is normal.
