|
|
|
|
Thermostats in thermo siphon systems The fact is, if you have an opinion it is going to be contrary to another man's opinion. There have been about four different people point out that there is a WEB SITE(s) that suggests having any kind of valve in the upper half of the thermo siphon loop is risky, and could cause problems if the valve sticks. In the old days, this may have made more sense to me, an engine usually had an operator attending to the machine, he might be there to assure the engine warmed up, and was not run cold. Fact is, any engine can benefit from a rapid warm up, and auto thermostats have been doing a great job for years. Engines that run cold burn excessive amounts of fuel, ring wear is accelerated, they form carbon deposits that can lead to burnt exhaust valves, and more! If you are worried about one sticking closed, ask for the safety thermostat, it's a dollar or two more, but designed NOT to stick closed. Closed thermo siphon loops accommodate antifreeze, anti rust compounds, and when a thermostat is added, the engine will run at a specific temperature and run more efficiently and live a longer life. That's why millions upon millions of engines use them, and it makes no difference if it's a properly designed thermal siphon system or one that uses a pump. Of course we know, that pump will fail sooner or later, and I get reports of them going out more often than we'd like to hear about. It's all about risks and rewards, I'll take the thermostat any day! George B.
|