Engine Cooling System: Engine: Thermostat: Description
CAUTION:
Do not operate an engine without a thermostat, except for servicing or testing.
- A pellet-type thermostat controls the operating temperature of the engine by controlling the amount of coolant flow to the radiator. On all engines the thermostat is closed below 195°F (90°C). Above this temperature, coolant is allowed to flow to the radiator. This provides quick engine warm up and overall temperature control.
- On the 6.2L engine, the thermostat starts to open at 203°F (95°C) and is fully opened at 222°F (105.5°C).
- The same thermostat is used for winter and summer seasons. An engine should not be operated without a thermostat, except for servicing or testing. Operating without a thermostat causes other problems. These are: longer engine warm-up time, unreliable warm-up performance, increased exhaust emissions and crankcase condensation. This condensation can result in sludge formation.