Thermostat or no thermostat, that's my question

[Beagle Bones]

'97 D1

This is a trail truck only, see my avatar if needed, but I'm experiencing higher (than I'd like) coolant temps. We have discussed deleting the thermostat all together to alow the coolant to flow un-impeeded. Normal temps are 190* but after a bit of trail use I'm seeing 210-220*. I'm currently running the mechanical fan, but have considered two electrical fans. One controlled by coolant temp, the other controlled by a switch. Assuming I can fit two fans (I haven't shopped them) to a stock radiator.

Thoughts??

I think replacing the mechanical w/two electric fans, one of which I can control, will solve my small issue. Just asking the great minds of Dweb.

 

[Jimmy]

Never run without a thermostat. There is such a thing as running the engine at too cool of a temperature. Figure out what the real problem is.

 

[fishEH]

Get a 180* Tstat and a HD fan clutch. Something in your system is janky, though. How's your radiator and water pump?

 

[leshassell]

I've always been told the thermostat, while helping the coolant get to operating temperature quicker, also serves to hold the coolant in the radiator long enough for it to do its job. Seems to make sense to me but I don't know shit about thermodynamics.

 

[Buddy]

I agree with the other posters. Don't pull the thermostat. I had one on my '97 that was stuck open and it kept the truck at a steady 150' and it never really got up to running temp and would just run rich.

If you saw temps in the 210-220' range at SAE last weekend you've got other issues. Mine held a steady 190' all weekend long and I was not easy on it. Things I would try are the following

* Check/replace your thermostat
* Get the radiator flushed and flow tested
* Get a GM HD or XD clutch with a metal fan.

That's basically what I did to mine last year and she's only gotten up to 210' one time while playing on a rocky hill climb in 90'+ weather with the A/C cranked up. The GM XD clutch pulls a lot of air all the time. I would not run one on a street driven truck but mine is also a trailer queen and it seems to work well for me.

 

[Beagle Bones]

Pulling the thermostat was just a thought we were throwing around. I did think of having the radiator cleaned. What's this fan clutch mod you guys speak of? I'll search for it later, but if you have the info readily available I'm all ears.

Brett all I can tell you about the water pump is that I have one and it's not leaking.

I ask these questions because this winter the buggy is going to get a lot of love. New fuel pump and trans kick down cable are already in the mail. 2' DOM in the garage, heims to be ordered later this week to replace the rear links. Fancy shifter going in, which will require reworking the trans tunnel, and lastly a partial to full repaint.

 

[Buddy]

Pulling the thermostat was just a thought we were throwing around. I did think of having the radiator cleaned. What's this fan clutch mod you guys speak of? I'll search for it later, but if you have the info readily available I'm all ears.

Brett all I can tell you about the water pump is that I have one and it's not leaking.

I ask these questions because this winter the buggy is going to get a lot of love. New fuel pump and trans kick down cable are already in the mail. 2' DOM in the garage, heims to be ordered later this week to replace the rear links. Fancy shifter going in, which will require reworking the trans tunnel, and lastly a partial to full repaint.

This is the clutch I'm using. They do have standard and heavy duty version also.
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/imperial-fan-clutch-severe-duty-215158/19230027-p

Added this fan. If you still have your stock fan shroud you'll need to trim the blades 3/8-1/2" to not rub on the shroud. But it will keep the plastic fan from exploding if it hits anything.
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/.../19230038-p?searchTerm=imperial+universal+fan

You'll also need some 10mm bolts to fit the new clutch but I don't have that part number handy. There are tons of threads on this topic so it should be easy to find more information on this as well as the other part numbers if you don't want the severe duty clutch.

 

[D Chapman]

In my experience removing the thermostat makes the truck run even hotter. Apparently the coolant moves too quickly through the radiator and does not get a chance to cool.

however, you want the truck to run at at least 190* if you're still using a GEM's injection. Below 190* and the truck will run rich and be all stinky.

Where are you measuring the coolant temps? I found that measuring temps at the bottom of the block on the passenger side differs in temp vs measuring at the thermostat housing by 10*.

The "HD" viscus fan clutch they were talking about is a Chevy Astro van part. It works but it's loud. Still, it's only a band aid. The truck should not get hot with OE.

I'd try some Water Wetter.

 

[Buddy]

The "HD" viscus fan clutch they were talking about is a Chevy Astro van part. It works but it's loud. Still, it's only a band aid. The truck should not get hot with OE.

I'd try some Water Wetter.

I totally agree with this. The only reason I have it on mine is because it's a trail truck and we have hot summers and most of the time the truck is at close to idle more times than not and I like that if still moves air even at idle.

Yes the clutch is loud! sometimes it sounds like a turbine under the hood.

 

[p m]

The truck should not get hot with OE.

This.

 

[fishEH]

Brett all I can tell you about the water pump is that I have one and it's not leaking.

I ask these questions because this winter the buggy is going to get a lot of love. New fuel pump and trans kick down cable are already in the mail. 2' DOM in the garage, heims to be ordered later this week to replace the rear links. Fancy shifter going in, which will require reworking the trans tunnel, and lastly a partial to full repaint.

Dude it's about time you got rid of those stock trailing arms on your buggy!!! You doing something with the shocks too?(I hope)

Pulling the Tstat sounds like some good ole Indiana engineering.

 

[ptschram]

Replace the thermostat and fan clutch, then the radiator if needed.

Your radiator is nearly 20 years old, it was probably never flushed for the first 15 years and now isn't worth even bothering to pay to have cleaned.