Explanation of Thermostat
 

Can somebody provide me an overview of how the thermostat works? I know that it controls the air flow into the engine bay but does the thermostat open and close both flaps fully? How much movement of the thermo wire can one expect? I am trying to reconnect the unit after the PO disconnected. Thanks

How essential is the thermo setup? I live in cold climate and even though I rarely drive in the cold, I suspect I should find one?

There is a good explantion of the fuction in the archives. It really
makes a difference in N.W. Ohio.warms up much faster.
My 2 cents Dave :)

The purpose of the thermostat is to warm the engine to operating temperature as fast as possible. Why?

1. Reduced fuel consumption. When the engine is cold, the mixture needs to be richer for proper running, so the ECU enrichens the mixture based on the head temperature. Additionally, the cold oil has higher viscosity, increasing engine friction, which increases fuel consumption.

2. Reduced engine wear. A richer mixture washes more oil off of the cylinder walls, leading to more wear.

3. Reduced oil contamination and sludging. A richer mixture contaminates the oil with more fuel. Also, the faster the oil heats to operating temperature, the faster it purges itself of absorbed moisture, decreasing sludging.

4. Reduced HC and CO pollution. Richer mixtures have higher CO content, and a cold engine produces higher HC due to incomplete burning.

Can't find the article in the archives - anybody have a link?

Brad - Thanks for the explanation, now all I need is the thermostat??