Engine Coolant Thermostat - Operation

OPERATION

The thermostat starts to open at 80°C (176°F). Above this temperature, coolant is allowed to flow to the radiator. This provides quicker engine warmup and overall temperature control.

The same thermostat is used for winter and summer seasons. An engine should not be operated without a thermostat, except for servicing or testing. Operating without a thermostat causes other problems. These are: longer engine warmup time, unreliable warmup performance, increased exhaust emissions and crankcase condensation. This condensation can result in sludge formation.