Originally posted by projectSHO89:
The coolant must be in contact with the inside radiator surfaces in order for heat to be transferred through the radiator walls. If the fluid is moving too fast, the thermal energy does not have enough time to transfer enough heat from the coolant through the radiator to the surrounding air.



I accept your point but I'm still not seeing how this is related to the presence or not of a t-stat. If the coolant is not in contact long enough with the rad surfaces, this is a function of the water pump moving the coolant too fast, unless the coolant moves slower in the circuit created by the opening of a t-stat.

I may be TOTALLY off base here and if so, I look forward to being corrected !

Bless our servicemen & women overseas. L.Cpl Ian Malone, 1st Battalion Irish Guards, R.I.P.