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The debate over whether a thermostat is a true necessity in a warm climate rages on and on, on these and other mechanical boards. It will never be settled by either side. The pro-necessity side often point to excessive carbon buildup during the extended warm-up. This results from the gasoline/air charge being burned less thoroughly while the engine is reaching operating temperature. The anti-necessity side can usually point to numerous examples in their experience of a tractor, car, or truck being operated permanently without a thermostat with no apparent ill results. Me, I've taken the same position on this issue I've taken in the Six Volt Conversion Flame Wars, another issue which rages on all antique vehicle boards and which will never be settled. That position is a neutral one. I think each side has good arguments and that each individual must make their own decision. As for me, if the engine is overheating, I usually remove the thermostat as part of the troubleshooting procedure. If I am away from home or trying to finish a specific task, I will occasionally run the engine without a thermostat temporarily until I can conveniently replace it. But never for an extended period of time. And, please note this policy is only applicable to older engines. Modern engines designed since the advent of the Plague of Computers often have cooling systems which are stretched to the limit in order to avoid spening one extra tenth of a cent on materials, and these designs often take into account the thermo-dynamic turbulance created by the thermostat being in-line. Removing the thermostat (or making any other change) on newer engines should be undertaken with EXTREME caution.
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