Re: running without a t-stat

[chris-p]

If you are going to remove it for a short time, DO NOT remove the rest of the assembly beneath it. As in the housing/grommet, the spring and the valve (white plastic disc). Exhaust gas can get down to the pump via this route if the whole assembly is removed, allowing air(exhaust gas) into the water pump, rendering it useless.

Cannot tell you how many "No Water Pump" situations I have cured by installing a thermostat and assembly. Owners often think they are helping cool the motor by removing all of this, but really they are only making the matter worse.