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Harry Ferguson Tractors Discussion Forum
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Stupid thermostat question

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John in MS

04-11-2007 12:18:26




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While rejuvinating my TO-20 cooling system I found that there was no thermostat in it. When searching for a source for a replacement, a couple of mechanics told me that in this part of the country (central Mississippi) most people just left them out because the main problem down here is the heat, not the cold.

I really don't use the tractor during the few weeks of cold weather we do have, so is there any real need for the thermostat?

Thanks.

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John Mason, Michigan

04-15-2007 16:06:46




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 Re: Stupid thermostat question in reply to John in MS, 04-11-2007 12:18:26  
Hello, Great answers to a "NOT SO STUPID" question. I asked this question a couple weeks ago and got very little input. I changed the thermostat and I notice the temp climbs to 170 the drops back as the thermostat does it job. Thanks again guys!

John



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Ed Matthews

04-13-2007 15:15:55




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 Re: Stupid thermostat question in reply to John in MS, 04-11-2007 12:18:26  
I can agree with both Jerry and Jim on the desirability of running any engine at its design temperature. However, two factors are also relevant: (1) the TO20 engine wasn't a precision piece of equipment, compared with the engines of today, with systems to accommodate variable air pressure, temperature, coolant temperature, engine RPM, etc. The only accommodation that might be made would be if a sharp farmer got off and used a pair of pliers to adjust the main jet a little. (2) In the summer time in Mississippi, a TO20 sitting in the barn at 6:00 AM is already going to be near full operating temperature and properly functioning thermostat will probably be wide open before you get out the drive.

So my thought is that while a thermostat would make it run at just the right temperature, it probably wouldn't make enough difference that you'd ever notice it.

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Jerry/MT

04-11-2007 15:36:40




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 Re: Stupid thermostat question in reply to John in MS, 04-11-2007 12:18:26  
Your engine is designed to operate at a specific component temperatures and all the clearances are optimized to those component temperatures. The thermostat controls the water temperature to keep the engine at or near those component temperatures. The result is minimum wear and minimum fuel burn. Additionally,the engine at correct operating temperature allows more breather gases, which include water vapor, to escape from the crankcase thus reducing sludge formation. Believe me, if the guys that designed the engine didn't need a thermostat, they wouldn't have put one in!

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Jim in OH

04-11-2007 12:52:45




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 Re: Stupid thermostat question in reply to John in MS, 04-11-2007 12:18:26  
Yes... the warmer engine runs more efficiently and with less wear... the most wear on an engine is during warmup and if you prolong that warmup indefinitely, that is not good. Fuel can also condense on the sleeve walls and dilute or wash off the oil and your rings wear faster... A properly operating thermostat not only prevents the above, but actually can improve the efficiency of the radiator... but I'll leave that topic for later... Jim

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