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Hello, i tried to drive my mini (mk1) back from the customs in veracruz to mexico city but ended up towing it because it kept overheating and evaporating the water every 1 and a half mile. We removed the thermostat cause we thought it was clogging the water but didn't work , know we think it's also the water pump. Anyway, should I get a new thermostat? cause some people have advised me it is like an appendix , not really necessary and sometimes only a trouble waiting to happen.

thanx
Nick

Thermostat is fitted to maintain correct engine and oil temperature but will run without .Fill radiator with water leave rad cap off and start engine if water is ejecteted through neck of rad head gasket or similar cause ie compression loss through cooling system , If water stays in check for leaks bottom hose by pass hose ect .if none let car warm up whilst checking radiator at top ,bottom and middle to see if there is any heat from the water which should be circulating heat should become apparent at top of radiator first ,if engine gets hot but rad stays cold you have a circulation problem not necceserily the water pump old cooling systems can silt up and the water ways become blocked especially in radiators which would require flushing or in severe cases replacement .If radiator suspect remove complete with hoses .block up hose holes and fill rad with hot water from kettle any area found on rad not to be warm will be blocked . Hope this helps

It is usually advised not to remove the thermostat. The cooling system needs the restriction, to ensure correct coolant flow distribution around the engine.
You can cut out the centre, working part, of the thermostat, and re-fit the outer ring.
Or alternatively you can buy a blanking sleeve.

Thanx, the mini is with the mechanic to figure the overheating problem out, as for the thermostat I think I'm gonna try one of the alternatives written.

In a country as warm as Mexico I would think a thermostat is indeed redundanrt. However if you simply remove it you get very unequal cooling between cylinders. 1&2 run cool & 3&4 run hot. Therefore you are well advised to fit a blanking sleeve.

http://www.minimania.com/part/11G176/SL ... COOPER-ETC

Hope this helps.

Thanx for the link Mark, I don't know much about mechanic stuff so an image support is always helpful.