Re: OK to remove thermostat?

> 
> Modern thermostats are not bistable like the old ones. It is not just
> full open or full closed.  Modern cooling systems do a good job of
> holding engine temp at a specific value.  However, I agree with the
> idea of fixing any overheating problem properly. If there is not an
> overheating problem, don't monkey with it.
> 

Just how far back do you have to go to find a bistable thermostat, 
anyway? My oldest vehicle is a 1949 Plymouth with a 217 cid flathead 
six, and it has a continuously-regulating thermostat that holds the 
coolant right at 160 degrees F. Just like a modern system, except about 
40 degrees cooler. And I know that Chrysler, at least, was using that 
system right from the start of the short-skirt six family of engines in 
the early 1930s, and probably back with the ZSB sixes in use at the 
start of the Chrysler Cor****ation in the 20s, for that matter.