I have a 616 engine that I'm going to rebuild for a generator set. Is the thermostat necessary? Logically, the thermostat is used to get the engine temp up sooner than it would without one. I guess the engine will run better hot than cold. What is the main purpose of the thermostat? Is it for the engine coolant system? If so, why wait for the thermostat to heat up and open to allow the coolant to circulate? Or, is the purpose for the heater to allow the heater to warm up faster thus providing comfort in the car sooner?

Thanks

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83 300SD
80 300D

The cooling system is deigned that water will not flow correctly without a t-stat.

In other words, it needs it to run right.

well you could create a overheat problem with out a thermostat
the water moves to fast Thur the system. What some racers do is run a restrictor washer it slows the water flow

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Keeping 'em Running
1990 300SEL
1994 E320
1989 E300

Thats not the problem. Look over the diagram and you will see why the t-stat needs to be used.

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What if you could capture and off load the heat of the coolant through a coil or something to help heat your home or hot water... If your system could pull off the heat then wouldn't it be a plus that the water circulates fast through the engine? Wouldn't the engine be better off if the coolant were cool all the time, like it is when you first start your engine?

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83 300SD
80 300D

No. When you first start the engine and the first few miles before it warms up is when the most wear occurs.

ForcedInduction,
I looked at the diagram thanks...
Am I right in assuming that without the thermostat, the water pump is actually trying to pump water back through the bottom of the radiator as well as through the top? It looks like that the bottom part of the thermostat is the only thing keeping the out going hot coolant to the top of the radiator.
Looks like it is necessary just to keep the circulation going in the right direction if for nothing else.

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83 300SD
80 300D

You got it.

since the diagram puts it that way, i'm now a believer.. i'll put a thermostat element on my car, and maybe that will have an effect on my temp under heavy load as well as on heavy traffic.

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Mike

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1975 200 - Sold (no pix);
1978 200 - Sold - http://www.pbase.com/hboy/redbaron
1979 300TD - Sold
http://www.pbase.com/hboy/greenwagon
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1985 230E - now my daily driver...