Finally home nightmare over, Thermostat yes or no?

[parkerbink]

So I am home. They said I needed to replace the thermostat and since they couldn't get one left it out I bought one in Laredo and the car ran, at freeway speeds just above the blue line. at idle it runs under 1/4 It seemed I got a bit less milage on the 700 mile trip but I may be over sensitive. Is it ok to leave the thermostat out? (it never gets below 55 degrees here) or should I put it in?

[cthulu703]

You should definitely put it in. The coolant flow needs to be slowed to allow heat exchange between the cylinders and head, and the coolant. Otherwise, your engine can overheat without your coolant temp showing it.

[RBBJ325is]

Yes all cars should run with a thermostat.

[PanamaE30]

Yes all cars should run with a thermostat.

/whistles and looks around

[parkerbink]

Panama how long have you been without? What is the average temp there and how much Highway driving do you do? It has been about 75 here and around town it has been staying just above 1/4 which I think is fine.