Hello all fellow list members!

OK, I am asking a question I have been toying with every since I bought the
Van about 7 years ago. My mechanic which is the same person I bought my 1987
Wolfburg edition from has always run my Van without any thermostat in the
cooling system. He says that A. It is better for the head gaskets, hoses etc. (Hoses
replaced a year ago. And B. As hot as it gets here it's is better for the
engine to not use the thermostat and C. with the mild winters we have the heat
that is produced from the heaters is sufficient.

I am afraid that without the engine not warming up to normal temp it will get
a build up of carbon etc.

It hasn't seemed to be hurting the engine as it purrs along and has been for
about 7 years without the thermostat. Opinions, etc., please. I would like to
know if anyone has heard of this being done and/or if another members have
ever done this in the long term.

If it will hurt the Van please say so and I'll put one in regardless of what
my mechanic has said.

Thanks,

Chris Snider   </HTML>