*** POLL *** thermostat

[JazzDad]

1991, 3 cylinder diesel engine, 19 HP. No electronic injection, no computer to regulate the timing, no choke, no smog controls. I run the tractor only in the summer. So, why would I need to install a thermostat? After I start her up, I can let it warm up another minute or two before I head out to mow. I'm here to understand if it really is necessary. Thanks!

 

[oldnslo]

1991, 3 cylinder diesel engine, 19 HP. No electronic injection, no computer to regulate the timing, no choke, no smog controls. I run the tractor only in the summer. So, why would I need to install a thermostat? After I start her up, I can let it warm up another minute or two before I head out to mow. I'm here to understand if it really is necessary. Thanks!

Thermostat is not necessary but the engine may run a little better with the thermostat. Depending on engine style, cooling jacket design,etc there is a potential for hot spots created by improper water flow on some models when the thermostat is removed.

 

[Baby Grand]

Our B5100 doesn't have a t-stat, just a whistle to warn us if it's overheating. This will be its first Summer on our place - we picked it up last Fall. So far so good, but no real scorchers yet. From what I have read, flush the radiator & block frequently, keep the radiator fins straight and clear of debris and you should be all set. I'm keeping a weather eye on mine for the next real hot day to see how she does. The workshop manual says to use straight water, but I'm inclined to try a coolant mix for its elevated boil point and anti-corrosive/anti-fouling properties. Still on the fence over that one. Someone on TBN fabricated a real slick looking in-line fitting for the radiator hose, allow him to install a temperature gauge, which I think was a brilliant idea; why wait for the whistle?

BTW - Konrad rocks. Loved his book On Aggression.

 

[BigBoyinMS]

The thermostat is there mainly to get the engine up to operating temperature and keep it up to that temp. Any engine runs better, is more efficient and last longer if it is operated at it's optimum temp but a diesel, being a compression ignition engine, especially does better.

 

[bojac45]

bojac45

1991, 3 cylinder diesel engine, 19 HP. No electronic injection, no computer to regulate the timing, no choke, no smog controls. I run the tractor only in the summer. So, why would I need to install a thermostat? After I start her up, I can let it warm up another minute or two before I head out to mow. I'm here to understand if it really is necessary. Thanks!

hi,
without a thermostat, coolant will flow through the radiator too fast. not giving it time to cool right.

 

[Texan4Life]

yep run the tstat. among what others have said running your engine under operating temp also will run the engine oil under operating temp causing moisture buildup in the oil.

 

[timster2]

The opening and closing operation of the thermostat allows the coolant to stop in the radiator and cool. Removing the thermostat allows the coolant to flow continuously through the radiator and potentially continue to raise the coolant temperature. Depending on the design and/or over-design of the cooling system removing the thermostat may not result in overheating, however, if the engine was designed with a thermostat it is better to keep it in place.

 

[JazzDad]

So the trend seems to be: keep the 'stat.

I got the radiator out. Yuck. Never assume maintenance has been performed on anything you buy second hand. 21 years worth of lime and rust. My test was to pour water in the neck of the radiator. It took a long time to come out the bottom hose connection. It's over to the radiator shop tomorrow for a good going-over.

 

[MHarryE]

All of the engines I work with require a thermostat for proper flow through the engine. When we test our cooling systems we test difference between ambient temperature and coolant temperature at max power. We can then interpolate how the cooling system will perform in high ambient conditions. To do this, however, we can't have a thermostat controlling the temperature so our engine suppliers provide us blocked open thermostats for our testing.

 

[JazzDad]

OK, who's living in the past? (Oh, you can't see it, but I have my hand raised.)

I'm thinking the radiator can be re-cored for around $200. Ha!
$500.
A new one costs $673, before shipping.

I'm flabbergasted! I'm going to the tavern for a nickel beer.

 

[Looking4new]

OK, who's living in the past? (Oh, you can't see it, but I have my hand raised.)


I'm flabbergasted! I'm going to the tavern for a nickel beer.

When you find that nickel beer, let the rest of us know. Might be worth it for me to fly down there for a cheap drunk.:licking::laughing:

 

[pat32rf]

Re: bojac45

hi,
without a thermostat, coolant will flow through the radiator too fast. not giving it time to cool right.

Took me a minute to figure this one out.....Like the underinflated tire that ran hot, causing the pressure to rise so much it blew right off the rim....

 

[JazzDad]

Re: bojac45

So, the consensus seems to be keep the thermostat.

Now, about coolant: What's your opinion on using water run through a water softener to be mixed with the coolant? Does the ion exchange just mean I'm putting sodium (from the 'soft' water) in the radiator in place of calcium (hard, untreated water)? We know that Sodium Chloride (in conjunction with air) is corrosive to many metals. Or should I just pony up the $1 and buy a jug of distilled water?

 

[Soundguy]

run a tstat.. prevents sludging and lets engine run at designed temps.

I sure hope a diesel doesn't have a choke..