1998 Chevy Cavalier thermostat

1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
77,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • MANUAL
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JONNA HALLEY
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  • 2 POSTS
Are car was overheating so we took out the thermostat and the overheating stopped. Is it okay and how long can you drive car without thermostat.
Mar 25, 2009 at 4:56 PM
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EUGENE123
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 273 POSTS
you can drive a car without a thermostat as long as you want to but i would recommend replacing it because it controls how hot or cold the air inside your car blows out like without it your heat will not be very warm there not really expensive either at the most $15
Mar 25, 2009 at 5:02 PM
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JONNA HALLEY
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  • 2 POSTS
What if I don't use the thermostat
Mar 25, 2009 at 5:04 PM
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F4I_GUY
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 3,302 POSTS
Your engine is meant to run at operating temperature. At O/T all the engine internals are at it's proper specification for clearances and what not. When your engine internals are not at these clearances they can produce and create wear within engine which can lead to engine failure. Your thermostat's job is to bring the engine up to operating temp. as quickly as possible to minimize this wear.

Also, without a thermostat the vehicle will run a lot richer (more fuel) which can wreck your catalyst system which can be very costly. And obviously, you'll waste a lot more gas.
Mar 25, 2009 at 5:14 PM
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