Low Temp Thermostat?

[bodben]

Just wondering what benefit people achieve from running one? Surely all they do is cause the engine to run below its optimum temperature, and therefore ruin fuel economy, diminish lubrication and therefore cause the engine to wear out quicker?

I'm asking because I know people must do it for a good reason, I just cannot find out what that reason it! I have searched high and low. So enlighten me, what is the benefit of the thermostat opening up at a lower temp?

Thanks Guys!

 

[16v_er]

used to have one on my mk1 valver, i always had it on them though and coupled with the low temp fan switch as i always seem to overheating and having head gasket problems. on my cup its standard, dont think you can get a low temp stat for a mk2? maybe wrong

 

[Munson]

I don't know anything about these, but it strikes me that such a device would result in it taking longer for the engine to warm up. Once running I don't see that it'd make a difference?

 

[White16valver]

They open up earlier, meaning the water flows into the rad and cools down earlier than it otherwise would after start up.

I'm not sure there's much point in them tbh as once you're up to temperature they're not going to drop below the point that it would close anyway.

A low temp fan switch is a better bet as it means that it should run cooler in traffic due to the fan kicking in earlier.

 

[Munson]

They open up earlier, meaning the water flows into the rad and cools down earlier than it otherwise would after start up.

Indeed, meaning the engine takes longer to reach operating temperature? Not a smart idea. Are there actually any supposed benefits? Surely when the engine is warm, the stat is always open anyway?

 

[White16valver]

That's the way I understand it!

Although my guesswork, er, knowledge is entirely self-taught off the internet and thinking things through lol

The low temp thermostat only opens 2-3 degrees earlier anyway so it's not a massive difference!