In a message dated 7/3/02 10:25:33 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
bob.spooner@MIDDLETOWNPOWER.COM writes:

<<
 Would a missing thermostat cause the engine to run hotter than it should?

Yes, a missing thermostat can make an engine run too hot.

 I'm think that maybe the coolant is passing through the radiator too fast,
and not giving up enough heat as it zips through there.  Am I off in left
field?
  >>
No, your thinking is correct. The coolant has to "hang around" for a bit for
it to absorb the heat from the engine and the same goes for it to get rid of
the heat in the radiator.

John Wessels
European Motorsport
Livermore, CA 94551
http://www.euromog.com