What Problems would occur if running without a thermostat?



thanks

Engine wouldn't heat up and it will cause an engine light to come on. Also if the engine is running too cool the heat difference from the internals to other parts may cause warping. Someone can maybe correct me on that last one if I'm worng. All I know is it is bad not to have one or have one that is too cool.

Oh, and you will have almost no heat from the vents in the winter time. If the engine isn't up to temp, neither is the heat in the vents.

Your car will run very inefficiently for a LONG time before it heats up, as well.

Yup, you definitely don't want to go without one. I am running a 180* superstat from NAPA with two 1/8 inch holes and with temps in the low 50'* when I head to work in the morning (30 miles one way) I am lucky to see 140* (with no heater on -with heater on probably wouldn't see 120*). I know I am running very rich as I use almost a 1/8 tank with the cruise set at 78. Not only am I running rich, but it'* probably bringing the oxygen sensors life to a quick end.
And that'* just a start to your problems.
Why do you ask anyhow?

Just asking as I was told that it wouldn't hurt to run a car without one in the summer..I was wondering if it was true...I thought mine was clogged so I took it out about 3 days ago and since the nearest parts store was 20 miles away..I just hooked it up without one just to rule out that as a problem..haven't really been driving the car..just to the local mart and back..However I have purchased one today and plan on putting it in tomorrow...I ask because when i took my plugs out this evening (changing them) I noticed thar they were red on the ends....Does anyone know if running without a thernmostat would cause that to happen? Car runs fine just that I had never seen spark plugs so bright red like that!

Thanks for all the replies!

On an old 70'* - early 80'* GM carb'ed 350 you could get away with it in the warmer states. On the new FI, computerized cars, not a good idea at all. Too many sensors and stuff thinking something is broken, not modified.

PUT IT BACK IN!!(180)

I've never heard of red plugs. Not even in the back of my service manuals I have does it say anything about plugs being red :?

But ya I'd put the 180 stat in. Even if it may not be bad to go without one in the summer, it'* definitley NOT bad to go WITH one in the summer.

I've seen the feedback from coolant sensor make the engine idle up to get to temperature. Besides assisting the fuel/air atomizing in the combustion chambers, alot of reasons could be shared for keeping a thermostat in. It is okay for the short term, but it will not help a vehicle with computer controlled fuel injection,........ without modifying.
I've heard of light brown on the plugs, but not red. I would suggest changing them as well as where I buy my gas.

Is the red on the plugs rust color? I've seen this on older carbed engines using "performance" fuel filters when there was rust in the gas tank.

Other reds may be due to some of the **** the EPA makes them add to the gas in certain counties.