Absolutely. The auxiliary air valve is bolted to the block. There is a hole that allows the back side of the valve to contact the coolant in the block. Until the coolant gets up to operating temp, the valve will add extra air, raising the idle. So with no thermostat ... (you get the picture).

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Chuck Taylor
Falls Church VA
'66 200, '66 230SL, '96 SL500. Sold: '81 380SL, '86 300E, '72 250C, '95 C220, 3 '84 280SL's '90 420SEL, '72 280SE, '73 280C, '78 280SE, '70 280SL, '77 450SL, '85 380SL, '87 560SL, '85 380SL, '72 350SL, '96 S500 Coupe