What happens if the thermostat is removed?
2 Answers
Removing the thermostat will cause the engine to consume more fuel. This is because, after the thermostat is removed, the engine coolant will always circulate in a large loop, and the engine's water temperature will remain at a low level. Especially during cold starts, it will take a long time for the engine to reach its normal operating temperature. The engine's computer calculates the fuel injection volume based on factors such as water temperature, intake air temperature, and air flow rate. Normally, a cold engine requires more fuel injection than a warm engine. If the engine remains at a low temperature for an extended period, the engine computer will continuously detect a cold engine state, resulting in the fuel injection volume corresponding to a cold engine. Therefore, the thermostat should not be removed.
After removing the thermostat, the engine may experience prolonged insufficient cooling or overheating, affecting normal operation. In hot weather, the engine is prone to overheating and smoking, with even the risk of burning out the cylinder head; on cold days, the car's heating won't work, making it uncomfortably cold. Fuel efficiency will also drop because the engine isn't running at its optimal temperature, potentially increasing fuel consumption by 10%, leading to higher fuel costs over time. Another issue is improper coolant circulation, which can damage the water pump and radiator, resulting in future repair costs of several thousand dollars. I've seen many cars break down on the road because of this, with expensive towing fees. It's recommended not to remove it, keeping it as is or replacing the part promptly, ensuring both safety and cost savings.
