Club 80-90 Forums

Because I reside in southern Europe where seasonal ambient temps are above UK temps (never freezing!) I feel inclined to 'remove' the Thermostat to allow better coolant circulation. Its fitted to my T25 1990 1.6 TD JX engine,. summer temps get into the 40 degrees C ; 'cooling' the engine needs all the help it can get !
Anyone else running without a thermostat ? Would appreciate Members comments/advice on this subject, don't want to get 'overheated' summer 2017 tour.

No. Removing the thermostat will make it overheat more. It works as a switch between two cooling circuits the warm up circuit where the water is only recirculated around the engine then switches that off and then sends the water through the radiator. Without the thermostat the engine will still circulate water not cooled by the radiator. The thermostat also acts as a restriction to slow the flow down so the water has time to transfer the heat away from the hot surfaces in the engine.

To ensure your cooling system is working correctly is the best thing you can do.
It's more than adequate to keep the engine at working temperature.

Ensure your radiator is the correct (thicker) one fitted (if it has been changed)
Ensure that the two speed fan is operating at the right temperatures
Ensure your radiator is goop free,
See that there are no leaks and the coolant antifreeze is the recommended type and at the correct strength.

I agree re the previous response but you might find the following of interest:
I have retrofitted my WBX with an oil cooler which connects to an adapter fitted under the oil filter. The cooler fits into the panel next to the number plate and is blown by two 12V PC fans switched in by a thermostat clamped to the cooler feed line. This has been working for nearly ten years now and cuts in under extreme conditions as a back up to the radiator fan. The cooler, piping and adapter was supplied by Kenlow who incidentally do not sell aftermarket stuff now.
I think this is a much better potion than an open loop (water) cooling system as it does not in my opinion, impinge on the design intent of the vehicle manufacturer.
Happy New Year
CS

Happy New Year to all

Thanks for your positive/helpful responses. Because the vehicle is new/unknown history to me I will be replacing original 1990 rad with a Brickwerks SA rad (slightly thicker), the plastic pipes with s/s, temp sensors, water pump and fit a new Brickwerks Thermostat.
The New Year should be cooler for the Bus, Happy Camping