No thermostats
 

I have been working on my 53 Flathead V8,and the thermostats are no good.
I have yet to drive the car and was wondering if I could run the motor without the thermostats for a while until I determine if the engine is ok?
I know they are inexpensive and The 180 degree seems to be the correct one according to what I've read so far, but I'm trying to detirmine how good the engine is first.
As always I appreciate the feedback

Re: No thermostats
 

Most likely without thermostats the water/coolant will flow through the system too quickly and not spend enough time in the radiator to cool. We have, in a pinch use somewhere around a 1-1/4 flat washer (I think was the diameter, you can measure the id of the hose and match it to the od of the washer) wedged in the water pump inlet to help slow the flow and it actually worked pretty well.

Re: No thermostats
 

no problem not running stats,some guys take them out for the summer and put them back in for heat in winter

Re: No thermostats
 

Engines perform better in the proper temperature range, but the engine will run fine without them.

Re: No thermostats
 

I drove the 52 Merc (no thermostats) all the way to town for the car show last August with no problem. It ran just slightly above the centre mark on the heat gauge. Only a 13 mile drive but that is plenty of time for a flathead to heat up in the summer.

Re: No thermostats
 

Thanks to all for your responses!!