legacycentral bbs

OK so there seems to be alot of "is it ok to run my car without a T-stat?" going around. So heres my take on it

My experience and training has taught me NO you can't, and that goes for any car. The reason is because your car needs to warm up to the proper temperature to go into a "closed loop" operation where the computer is actually controling fueling paramerters based on sensor input insteat of running on preset rich parameters set by the factory to only be used when the car is cold or when your foot is mashed on the floor. When you have no T-stat the engine is constantly cold, the ECM is constantly in "open loop" and there for your car is running filthy rich causing poor fuel economy and more general wear and tear on your engine. I easily picked up 4MPG when I replaced the stuck open T-stat in my 92 SS. Not to mention that I also got more power because the ECM wasn't in its low ignition/boost setting because of the cold colant temps.

Also another note and many will agree that if you do have to replace your T-stat, if you dont do anything else use an OEM subaru t-stat, to not is just plan stupid, you will give yourself way more headaches than the few bucks you saved at schucks are worth.

Thanks you just confirmed what I was all ready thinking.

I had the my Subaru in the shop today and had all tested and the Good news in all is in good shape and the over heating was due they feel to my not getting enough coolant into the radiator as I didn't open the bleeder screw.

Heads and all check out as you can see by my other posts.


I never thought taking out a part of the engines cooling system was good ideal in any way but had to ask on here as I so many people are doing it but it just seem wrong.


I worked for few month for company the made custom radiators for hot rods and classic cars I made bottom tanks and all so I know what it takes to build them from the ground up and we never told anyone to run with out thermostat.


I know going to hear it from my friend that wanted me to remove the T-stat but I just had that feeling it was not something to do.

Thanks for making me feel better for standing my ground on it.

CC