Is it really needed? Its only there so the engine warms up quicker right?

Anyone binned theirs?

I know a couple of guys who've had thier thermostats stick closed on Bike engines (CBR1000 and ZX9) and they just removed them. As you say the only side effect is the engine takes longer to heat up.

That said I'm not removing mine.

If everything is working correct a thermostat is a must. Modern engines need to run hot. Also the thermostat allows correct running during normal running and hot conditions. Without one to keep the engine at a stable temp the carbs or injection cannot be set correctly. What engine are you running?

[Edited on 29/6/04 by zetec]

just relativly standard 2.0 pinto twin 40's

Then I would try it with one, I'm sure someone who got a Pinto can let you know what temp to fit. I would have thought without one the engine would really struggle to get anywhere near it's normal temp.

Thermostat is essential -- The engine was designed to run with the rerstriction of the themostat on the water circulation, under normal warm running conditions 95% of the time the thermstat is only open the tiniest ammount most of the circulation goes round through either the bypass hose or heater, this keeps the lower part the engine from getting over cooled , run without it and the water won't circulate round the block properly.