Mike wrote:
"I may do this, come the autumn. I find the idea of having a winter
thermostat and a summer thermostat appealing!"
I have heard of other people changing their thermostats with the season, and I
don't really get the logic of it. An engine is designed to run optimally at a
specific temperature - no hotter, no colder - and this temperature does not
change with the weather. The thermostat is intended to maintain this optimum
temperature, by preventing water flow through the radiator below the fixed
temperature, and allowing full flow above it.
Having a "summer 'stat" will NOT do anything to prevent a car overheating in
the summer. Once the engine reaches the critical temperature the 'stat clicks
full open - if the proper 'stat is an 88 deg C stat, at 89 deg it will be just
as open as a 74 deg stat. All a low temperature 'stat will do is make it
difficult for an engine to reach the optimum running temperature, by giving
the engine full cooling as soon as the coolant temperature reaches 74 deg.
I am not suggesting that you need to rush out and change your 'stat, you are
not doing any harm by running your engine a little cool. I am just explaining
why, from my level of knowledge, I do not see the point of different 'stats -
and opening myself up to correction from anyone else who has a good
explaination of why they might be needed!
N.B. Rimmers sell 74, 82, and 88 degree thermostats. Whether they have a good
explaination why, or are simply meeting the demands of their customers who are
asking for them, I don't know!
Richard & Daffy
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