A few days back while driving on the highway on my way home from work, I suddenly took notice of an unusual positioning of the needle indicating the car engine temperature, it has risen above normal. I tried as much as possible to concentrate on driving while taking note of the needle in the hope that I would be able to get a good place to park and examine the engine before the needle gets to the red region, perhaps I could have an idea of what is wrong.
Unfortunately, I found myself pulling to the extreme right-hand side of the road within few minutes. The temperature rose rapidly and got to the red zone. What could have suddenly gone wrong with the engine system? By the way, the car got to Nigeria from United State a few months ago. Though not new (we call it tokunbo around here), I have been using it as such without any major issue till this particular day. I opened the bonnet and waited for the engine to cool down a bit, I thought about calling my mechanic (roadside, by the way) but later decided against it. I needed to have an idea of what is wrong so that I do not end up being exploited.
After about twenty minutes of waiting, I closed the bonnet and started the engine. The temperature of the engine seemed to have normalized and I drove home without any issue. Throughout the night of that day, I kept on wondering what in the world could have activated such a short drama. The following morning, I started the engine and commenced driving to work as usual with the drama of previous day still fresh in mind, my eyes kept wandering towards the temperature needle on the dashboard. With the air-condition powered on, nothing really happened until few miles to my workplace when the temperature started rising dramatically like the previous day. I switched off the air-conditioning system and the temperature went down rapidly. Interesting stuff!
Even though the temperature started rising few seconds after switching-off the air conditioning system, it started rising again soon after but I manageably got to work without the temperature going overboard. What the **** is going on?
I could not concentrate at work. I jumped into the steemstem channel on discord to sought for direction from the engineers, especially people like @adetola, @temitayo-pelumi and @rharphelle that have posted series of articles about automobiles. Trust steemstemians, different ideas and solution started flying in. Even though all the ideas were guesses, they pointed to only one thing - there is something amiss with the cooling system of the vehicle. Not satisfied, I put a call through to my cousin who seems to be more experienced with automobiles and he confirmed my suspicions with a rather confident answer;
Check the thermostat!
Thermostarts and the engine cooling system
There are several acceptable definitions for a thermostat but in a layman's language, a thermostat is a device that senses change and then regulate the temperature of a system within a pre-determined range. It is applicable in several electronic system such as iron, air-conditioners, ovens, refrigerators etc. In order to fully understand the function of a car's thermostat, a basic understanding of the car cooling system is necessary.
The engine of a moving vehicle produces an enormous amount of controlled explosion the magnitude of which depends on the number of cylinders in the engine. These explosions are caused by fuel ignition by spark plugs within each cylinder to propel the vehicle down the road. Consequently, cars are always equipped with cooling system to minimize heating as a result of the explosions which could destroy the engine in a matter of minutes.
The cooling system of an engine ensures that engine is kept at a relatively constant temperature for optimum performance irrespective of the temperature of the environment. Below the optimum temperature, more fuels are utilized by the engine and the magnitude of emission shoots up while above the optimum temperature, the engine can get destroyed.
Sometimes depending on the type of vehicle, the various components of the engine's cooling system include the radiator compartment where the temperature of the coolant is brought down before being circulated back into the engine, a cooling fan directly behind the radiator, pressure cap to keep the pressure within the system constant, water pump that circulates the coolant through the system, a bypass system, freeze plugs, head gaskets and intake manifold gaskets, heater core, hoses, the coolant itself and of course, the thermostat which serves to regulate the temperature of the coolant.
A typical cooling system works by continuous flow of liquid (the coolant) which is maintained by the water pump. Heat from the engine is transferred to the coolant as it passes through the engine blocks and heads before making its way through a hose to the radiator where it get cooled by air stream before returning back to the engine to absorb more heat. The source of the air stream that cools the coolant is from the grill in front of the car or from the fan as the case may be.
So where does the thermostat functions?
The thermostat works to keep the engine at optimum working temperature by regulating the flow of the cooling liquid moving from the engine compartment to the radiator. As such, the thermostat is usually placed between the engine and the radiator. When the coolant's temperature falls below the optimum temperature required for the engine to function, the thermostat restrict the movement of the cooling liquid to the radiator. This action forces the cooling liquid to be directed through the bypass system back into the engine compartment and the circulation continues as such until the optimum working temperature of the engine is reached. When this happens, the thermostat opens to allow the cooling liquid into the radiator so as to ensure that the optimum temperature is kept constant.
A faulty thermostart will definitely cause the cooling or heating system of a vehicle to malfunction. Consequently, the optimum working temperature of the engine will become difficult to attain. It is either the temperature falls short of the required or above it which in such case, the engine is said to be overheated.
Is the thermostat really necessary in a vehicle?
The above question is one of the most debated questions in the world of automobiles, especially in the tropical region. From my little research, every other thing being constant, most vehicles will function normally without the thermostat embedded within the cooling system. However, the engine might not perform optimally and as a result wear out before its stipulated time.
The argument, however, has always been that the thermostat is only necessary in temperate or cold regions where the coolant's access to the radiator needs to be blocked in order for the engine to get to its optimum temperature. In a much hotter tropical region, even without blocking the coolant's access to the radiator, the optimum working temperature of the engine would be reached within a short period of switching-on the engine.
From my little experience and research, during a typically coldest period in the tropic, a car without a thermostat would only need between five to ten minutes before reaching the optimum temperature. This waiting period might not be necessary if a car is armed with the thermostat because the optimum temperature will be reached faster as a result of blocking of the coolant from getting access to the radiator.
Pros and cons of having the thermostart in a vehicle
After rummaging through the series of arguments for and against the thermostat in a vehicle operating within the tropical region, I have been able to draw up the advantages and disadvantages of having it in one's vehicle. The pros and cons are highlighted below;
- The vehicle tends to function optimally always, thereby promoting longevity of the engine unlike a vehicle without thermostat which will almost always struggle to attain optimum temperature.
- The fuel efficiency of a vehicle with a thermostart is always spot-on. The Engine Control Unit (a.k.a brainbox) of a vehicle without thermostat continues to inject fuel into the engine in order for optimum working temperature of the engine to be reached thereby resulting in burning more fuel.
- Vehicles with thermostat embedded run more quietly most of the time simply because the fan of the colling system do not have to work always. The fan will only work when the optimum temperature of the engine is about to be exceeded and the airjet from the grill in front of the car becomes inadequate to cool the coolant in the radiator. A vehicle without thermostat will run loudly because the fan would be running constantly.
So how did I solve my own case?
Like I said earlier, a malfunctioning thermostart will mostly always get the engine overheated. Even though there could several other reasons for a car engine to get overheated apart from a faulty thermostat, an overheated engine most of the time eventually gets the thermostart damaged.
Therefore, in my own case, all indication point to the thermostat as said by my cousin. I managed to get the car to my roadside mechanic and asked him to remove the thermostart which he did. The intention is to drive the vehicle without a thermostat and see if it will still overheat but to my satisfaction, it has not overheated up till today. Even though I have an intention of replacing the thermostat in the nearest future, the vehicle is serving me for now.
How about the optimum temperature?
Basically, what I do whenever I switch-on the engine is wait till the temperature indicator on the dashboard gets to the level that it always gets to while the thermostart was still embedded before proceeding on my journey. In my own analysis, I think the thermostart was invented in order for the vehicle's engine to quickly get to the optimum working temperature, especially in the cold region. Cars without thermostat in cold regions will definitely take quite a long time before getting to the optimum working temperature after switching-on the engin, that is if it will ever get to it.
A lot of folks around here have given testimonies of using their vehicles without the thermostart and the vehicles have never given any issue for years.
What do you all think? Should I replace the thermostat of my vehicle as soon as possible or I should just continue using it as such? Why? Your inputs are highly needed.
Thank you!
References
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Since your problem seems to have been, indeed, the thermostat, removing it works as the solution. The car should still work fine as you say, specially in temperate climate. You'll just need to wait in the mornings (or whenever your car has an extended period of time with the engine off) for it to warm up and reach a decent operating temperature.
Even though cars can run without a thermostat, I'd reccommend you to replace yours if you can afford to.
The thermostat is a part of the cooling system and as such, removing it it affects the whole... well, system. The flow pattern of the coolant is changed, so the expected load work on the water pump would differ from the real one, this could cause you problems in the future. Same with the pipes. Since the control system will think your engine is hot all the time, as you stated the cooling fan will work more often than it was originally designed for. There's also the issue with the fuel mixture, which can become uncontrolled if the control system depends on the thermostat, so you could have higher consumption and a bigger stress on the injectors. Because of the same reason, you could have a higher level of non-clean emissions which will affect escape valves and the catalitic converter.
If your car is fairly 'old' (no computer, carburator, etc) then the consequences might not be too worrying. Otherwise, they could cause you trouble. Not everything I said has to happen and even if it does it might not be catastrophic... but still.
Since the various systems on complex machines are often related, changing a component in one of the systems could have an effect in others. Sometimes this effects are negligible, sometimes they are not.
Thank you very much for this well analysed input. I love the way you put every word. I will try to get a replacement for the thermostat as soon as possible.
I'm glad the explanation was clear enough! Happy to help :)
haha
if you recall sir, the thermostat was the first thing i mentioned that day.
It is true that the engine can work independent of the thermostat and that is why most road-side mechanics we have here would not mind removing the thermostat completely whenever there is a problem with the cooling system.
however, i would advice you replace the thermostat when you can as you never can tell what might come up later on ... we are talking about engines here, the most unpredictable entities i have known.
did you later get the OBD II scanner?
hey, but a malfunctioning thermostat means your engine would be subjected to dramatic overheating. Do I keep replacing each time the thermostat malfunctions?
I am yet to get the scanner by the way, someone promised to get it form me.
Thanks for your input
I wouldn't expect the thermostat to malfunction often though.
This is my field and I believe thermostat might not be the only issue with it.....the role of the radiator is also not functioning properly
In mechanical engineering we don't repair most of the parts that gets damage we replace them and if your thermostat is malfunctioning and you feel repairing it is the option you have, then you engine is prone to breakdown because overheating is what you should not allow any engineering appliance experience because it's very disastrous not just to the engine or engineering material but to the environment
My little Opinion is get a scan and be sure if what is wrong with the system
Thanks for your input. But the car has been working fine since the thermostat has been removed. If it wasnt only about the thermostat, how come it's now working fine without overheating?
That is an escape route..... How would you know if the system is heating more than normal without the thermostat
U said it was remove and your car is working fine.... How would you know Because am not understanding
Well, it's not like thermostat can prevent overheating, does it? I said the car is working fine because the temperature gauge gets to the normal place even without the thermostat
Ok
My suggestion would be to replace the thermostat as if it had no significant use it wouldn’t be there in the first place. You said without the thermostat the fans are overworked. Now, you are giving licence for that to happen. Fuel consumption will always be on the rise too as there isn’t a thermostat to ensure the optimum temperature is attained quickly
. I think it’s not wise to have to go through all this just to prevent your vehicle from heating up. Just replace the thermostat to have everything back to normal :)
Replacing it kè? Let it remain like that. You actually prove that you belong to academic community, just imagine how you did the problem analysis and you arrived at such a beautiful end. You completely educate my mind on the cooling system of a vehicle. Beside you made a Science story. 👍 @gentleshaid
Thanks @steepup!
Sir gentle, despite the negative aspect of the thermostat, my advice is to replace it. In every negative occurance, their is always a positive advantage if we can see it. I did enjoyed your post especially when you said stemians usually come out with guesses and some seems to be true.. :)
Not just stemians ooo. Even most roadside mechanics do usually guess. Thanks for coming by :)
You deserve some accolade indeed!
Even without an engineering background, you bossed this report, turning out to educate us more.
Well, from my understanding, thermostat basically help maintain a warm engine condition up to the operational temperature by preventing flow of coolant to the radiator.
So basically, removing it might not have instant effect as you mentioned, Nigeria being a tropic region afford you enough heat to reach that temperature without much worries but then, uncontrolled coolant flow and missing regulatory efforts of the thermostat puts the whole system in risk - one that might not be directly noticeable.
So, the best is to replace the thermostat with another one and from my understanding, thermostats don't get to spoilt that frequently, yours that did malfunction must be subject to a blockage or something related.
I enjoy your report, you're sure versatile and knowledgeable.
Thanks Sir. I am making efforts to get a replacement already. I have learned a vital lesson in this whole thermostat thing and even educating my colleagues about it. Education is actually key, imagine the number of vehicles on Nigerian roads whose thermostats have been removed without the owners realizing its effects
Yes..So far it was still working..They would even think thermostat is an evil!........Education is definitely key..Exposure too..
Honestly, I think you should do a Scan to find out what damaged your thermostat in the first place, thermostats don't just spoil out of the blue. I understand that the removal is appearing to solve the problem
However, if there is anything I know about Automobiles, it is the fact that they have a way of indicating underlying issues. So, please scan your vehicle to know what is really wrong.
And who would have thought you're a Life Scientist with the way you dissected the Cooling System, I throway Salute.
haha...thank you sir. I want to have the thermostat replaced first before scanning the vehicle.
Good idea
I liken the function of the thermostat to that of electric iron which turns off/on depending on the temperature of the iron, as I was meant to understand from my physics - it's function is to regulate temperatur at predefined or set range. Never knew it also inbuilt in a car.
I have learnt another one today.
Kudos sir @gentleshaid
thank you sir!
Behind every single story there is science. I am happy to read it was a happy ending four you :)
My answer to your question: If the thermostat is cheap enough, just replace it. It is good to have the information it provides. But there is no argument behind that (but curiosity).
Yes, virtually every story has science behind it. From all indications, it will not cost me more than $15. Small but not really small, if you know what I mean :). I will be making the sacrifice to get a replacement though. Can't afford to take chances.
Great to have you come-by despite your tight schedules :)
Baaah, write an extra steem post ;)
well, Let's see how that goes in the few days
I will try to follow (traveling days are always complicated for me).
Replace it i beg
lol...why nah? I want reasons
Honestly i would suggest you replace it.
The energy being consumed by your fan is now increased although your engine would be cooler but you would be overworking the fan motors. As they were not built to work all through but rather keep the engine at a specific temperature range.
My own thinking and opinion though, it could damage your fan motor soon.
thanks for this candid advice. If I may ask, Where can I get a replacement and could you help me with it? thanks
Your automobile mechanic should be able to get you a replacement and fix it. I believe he knows best about them.
I salute the quality of your delivery sir. Who would have thought you have no degree in engineering. It confirms the level of smartness and intelligence.
The thermostat is one important part of the Automobile Cooling system. Like you have also noted, it is vital to fuel economy. The vehicles of today use a lot of closed loop control systems. If the engine is not heating up to the optimum temperature, the ECU will command more fuel to be burnt in other to satisfy the preset condition.
But my opinion is that you could have gotten the car scanned. There are preset diagnostic trouble codes to narrow down your troubleshooting. Although it appeared that the problem is solved with the removal of the thermostat. But I'm not convinced that it is the issue(I'm not contesting anything here though, just an opinion). Removing the thermostat is like supplying more coolant and it could possibly offset anything resulting in the overheating which may not actually be the thermostat itself.
You could have the thermostat tested. Perhaps it was stuck on the close position restricting the flow of hot coolant out of the engine. I recommend a hot water test for your old thermostat if you still have it.
It's simply done by submerging the thermostat in a bowl of water and then heating to around 80 - 100 degrees, if the thermostat opens then it is fine. Otherwise it is stuck closed and bad.
What I'm simply saying is that, I just feel you should be sure you have not eliminated the symptoms instead of the root cause.
In any case, I will just encourage you to get a thermostat back into the engine as so as possible.
hmmm. Thanks for the honest analysis. I really hope the mechanic will not claim that he's thrown away the removed thermostat. I will go there right after leaving work today. In case he claims such, I wont have option than to get another one. Do you have an idea of where and how much I can get it?
I will have the thermostat fixed back and then have the car scanned in order to have an idea of what is actually wrong with the system.
Thanks a bunch once again.
Well, most spares are gotten from Ladipo market in Oshodi, but it looks like you're in Osun. So, I am not sure of where to get spares in Osun. About the price, what's the make and model of your car? I have a friend I can call, he works at Automedics.
Please do well to help me call. Toyota corolla 2003 1.8L engine
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TrufflePigI love cars though have never learn to drive one yet. But soon sha! nice job bro from a non engineering intellectual. i really duff my hat.. you broke every pieces of points down which was fantastic. But engineering can be very funny bro. The thermostat is not just there to make up the car. It has a specific purpose as many bosses in the field has narrowed down.... You removing it is a temporal solution. I can bet with you that other things will arise as an headache consigning your car.. My best advice is see to your thermostat. Get it fixed and return it back to the original position in the car. I am talking from an ergonomist perspective
well, @gentleshaid, the decision is yours oh, in my own case I have driven my car for more than 5years without the thermostat and had no regrets removing it but after reading this post, am beginning to link the fuel consumption of my car to the removal of the thermostat.
thank you for this piece.
Wow! I salute your analysis towards this problem.
You've all said it all but from my angle, I 'd also suggest you replace the thermostat..It will really save you of fuel economy and your vehicle will always perform optimally trust me. I drive vehicles with thermostats and I know how the engine feels with the condition. Pls do replace it. it's just the best for the vehicle.