The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop maybe trouble (?) with the first drive with rebuilt 250

The thermostat regulates the GPM through the radiator which in turn regulates how many BTU's the radiator can disperse. If you run with no thermostat, the system will never reach a correct temperature due to the radiator being able to get rid of more BTU's than the engine is transferring to the coolant. The thermostat is designed to keep the engine temperature at no lower than the stat rating, the radiator and associated hoses, pump, etc. are designed to keep it from overheating. I'm relying on an AutoMeter mechanical temperature gauge to monitor the temp.