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Curious?

R

RustyRed

Active Member
I was talking to a buddy of mine who said he likes to leave the thermostat out of a new motor for the first 500 miles or so of break in.

Anyone ever heard of doing this?
 
The only reason I can think of for doing that would be just in case there is some crap in the block that would block the thermostat and cause overheating. Then again, the crap would still be there. Sorry, just typing out loud. :craz
 
That would not allow the engine to warm up properly, and that can mess up the break in of the new parts.
 
"AzPete" said:
That would not allow the engine to warm up properly, and that can mess up the break in of the new parts.
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+1 on this. I'd never leave the thermostat out of a vehicle.
 
"66gt350" said:
+1 on this. I'd never leave the thermostat out of a vehicle.
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+2. My '66 Plymouth didn't have a thermostat in it when I got it. The oil reeked like gasoline and I could let it run for an hour, take off the rad cap and stick my fingers in the radiator without burning myself. I'd hate to think how an engine would break in, running like that.
 
It sounded crazy to me also but I don't claim to know everything.

Topic came up because while I've been having problems with my choke I am wondering if I also have a t-stat issue. Started thinking about it and when it is 65 - 70 degrees out a choke shouldn't be that big of issue.

My friend happened to ask if I had one in the car, yes we do but it could have a problem.

I thought we bought a new one for the new motor but maybe we screwed up and put the old one in by mistake or simply got one that was bad out of the box but I think I might replace it to see if it helps the cold nature tendency of my car.

My knee jerk reaction to the idea of break in without a t-stat was "remind me to never let you work on my car".

Just thought I'd confirm that I am not on drugs.
 
You're not on drugs.

See if Craig #1 can help you with that.....


Another thing to consider..... something that I've told myself I'll never do again..... is to install one of those "fail safe" t-stats. A fail safe t-stat "locks" into the open position if the engine temp ever climbs too high. Once it's "locked" into the open position, it's useless as it won't close like it should when the coolant temp comes back down. They're great for the one time that your overheats, but after that you need to change it.
 
"daveSanborn" said:
You're not on drugs.

See if Craig #1 can help you with that.....
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Geez, I get no respect around here just because of my fine dancing ability......

dance.sm.jpg



But seriously, and here I just installed a stat into the new Clevo. No way am I pulling it out. Besides I have a Tefba coolant filter that will go on which will trap any possible building gunk.

Now, where was I

rollingleafs.gif
 
"RustyRed" said:
I was talking to a buddy of mine who said he likes to leave the thermostat out of a new motor for the first 500 miles or so of break in.

Anyone ever heard of doing this?
Click to expand...

Not if you want any life span out of your new engine.
I just did my cam break in and with the thermostat in.
I use the temp gauge as a guide and run the engine till it opens up and then shut it down,
allow it to cool and check header bolts for tightness.
Repeat 3 more times and the cam is broken in and leaks have been checked.
 
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