914 2.0 cooling question, Any potential downside to this proposed modification? Options

[parrish911]

I have a '73 2.0 that is primarily used for auto-x with occasional weekend drives. I live in Tampa, FL. There is a copper bellows type thermostat that is used to control a flapper valve that routes cooling air. The bellows expands with heat and gradually opens the flapper valve, directing more air to the cylinders.

My question, is there any downside to bypassing the bellows and leaving the flapper valve in the always open position? I don't really deal with 'cold' weather and I am not convinced there is any benefit to having this on the engine, given how I am using the car.

I would welcome your thoughts on this.

Thanks,

Steve

[nathansnathan]

Without the thermostat, the engine will take a long time to warm up. My work is 12 miles away freeway driving. With the flaps open, water in the oil will not burn off. You will see a frothy sludge in your filler cap.

[SirAndy]

Without the thermostat, the engine will take a long time to warm up. My work is 12 miles away freeway driving. With the flaps open, water in the oil will not burn off. You will see a frothy sludge in your filler cap.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

I ran my 2056 without the thermostat here in MidCal and i had the same problem since most of my driving are rather short trips (less than 20 miles).

Not enough heat in the engine to boil off the water in the oil and massive sludge buildup on the filler cap and neck.

If you stay on top of this and clean off the sludge often (really messy affair) you might be OK.

But what do you think is the downside of running the thermostat? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)
It only helps warming up the engine to normal operating temp, after that, the flaps are fully opened anyways.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)

[Rand]

But what do you think is the downside of running the thermostat? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)
It only helps warming up the engine to normal operating temp, after that, the flaps are fully opened anyways.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)

I'm curious about a response to this too. Is your thermostat functioning? If so, why would you want to remove it? It's not complicated or heavy.

And to answer your specific question, there is absolutely a downside to removing it and I hope you will be convinced there is a benefit to keeping it.