No Stat

[J.Cutta]

I when to changed the stat noticed there was no thermostat in there I had the car for two years no problems it never warms up until I'm in stop and go traffic then its at about 220. Should I put one in and how exactly is it postioned.

Also does having no stat effect mpg.

[AlmostStock]

I've heard that by not running a thermostat the coolant runs through the radiator too quickly to cool, therefore the engine can over heat. I guess you proved that theory wrong! (at least in this case)

Without one it will take longer for the engine to heat up to full temperature and go closed loop so I'd say yes, you will lose some MPG without it. I'd put it in. It goes spring side down (towards the engine).

[J.Cutta]

I tried to put the stat in how about after 5 min of crusin the needle swung around pass 220. What the hell.. I hope it goes back to normal with no stat

[z28 boy]

I remember back in the day, we ran my moms car with out a stat to prevent over heating.

[wrightz28]

You installed it with the springed side in the manifold, right?

What temp did you use? 180-185ish are about right.

Also, anytime you go to intall a new stat, do yourself a favor, test it first!! Just boil a pot of water, and make sure it opens when submerged.

[AlmostStock]

^^^Yes. I found out the hard way that a new unit can be defective not open properly. Once after installing a new stat, my car kept on overheating. I removed it and did the stove top test to find that it would hardly open at all... even at full boil!