Thermostat Removal

[Bassgod]

I am looking for info here. On old Merc's, early 80's 150HP for example, is there harm in removing the stats and leaving them out in warmer water climates where water never gets below 60 degrees? I had a 87 model 175 for 8 years and ran it without stats in it just fine on the advice of a mechanic in Florida. I worked on a couple of 150 Hp's this week and the stats were shot so I removed them and left them out.
Is there a risk on this? If so I will get the stats and put in there motors.
I would not even consider this on a newer motor if for no other reason I have very limited knowledge on newer motors.
Thanks,
Dustin

 

[j_martin]

Re: Thermostat Removal

It's never recommended to just remove the stats. They are needed to develop pressure in the cooling system. They are also needed to keep the engine temp up to snuff at idle so when you can it, the pistons aren't slapping around and trying to change holes. Normal stats work just fine.

If they are replaced in a racing engine, a metering washer is put in their place, and many other cooling mods are made (drilling, milling, etc) inside the motor.

hope it helps
John

 

[Big Jim]

Re: Thermostat Removal

Modern engines are designed to run at or near a certain temperature.. So are oils and bearings. I'd never take the thermostat out of ANY engine. Also I'd never change from the manufactors designed temperature.
Not to mention without a restriction the pump will be pumping as much water as it can using up horsepower and the coolant (water in this case) will be racing past the hot spots in the engine..
It has been seen in closed loop engines that the coolant might gain less heat and the hot spots get hotter without a thermostat than they get with one.
Big JIm

 

[Bassgod]

Re: Thermostat Removal

Thanks for the info folks!