Normal engines will run about the same temp with a stuck open or removed thermostat as they do with a good working one, they just take longer to heat up since the coolant is free flowing through the radiator when the engine is cold. Thermostat only control how hot the engine gets before the radiator can start working, once open, the engine will keep heating up if the radiator isn't working properly.
Check your gauge or fluid level.
If your engine requires a thermostat to run 180, consider yourself lucky everything is working so good. The engine is running cool, radiator is working good, and the thermostat is regulating the flow just right to maintain 180 degrees. Very few engines will run this efficient in the summer time.
Last edited by Joe H; 07/08/2026 12:07 PM.
