can anyone tell if running a 94 v6 4x4 dakota without thermostat will affect it other than not have alot of heat in winter

 

copied from page 7-20 of the FSM...

 

On some vehicles running without a thermostat can actualy cause over heating. The thermostat in a car doesn't just open and close in response to heat, it also acts as a restrictor plate, keeping flow slow enough that the antifreeze has time to cool down in the radiator. Removing the thermostat can, in some cases, allow the antifreeze to pass through the radiator too quickly to allow it time to cool down suficiently before being circulated back into the hot engine, causing overheating.

 

Is the economy really that bad, that people need to contemplate not replacing a $6 thermostat?

You might as well replace it. No reason to remove that hose/thermostat neck twice!

 

thanks no its not the economy thats causing the problem its just that i bought this truck and its the only one that gives me problems have 3 dakotas i have replaced the clucth fan radator. the thermostats 3 times in less 3 months could i have bought 3 bad thermostats the last one 160 degree it ran fine for about 2 months then just started heating all at once tried of taking it on and off this is why i was asking not losing water no water in oil no water from tail pipe
thanks

 

any ideas on what might be wrong

 

my truck has been running a little warmer too here lately, i am just blameing it on te 100 degree heat though. i would like it to run a little cooler though. i might try swapping the thermostat if i just feel like tearing into stuff, but its very doubtful.

 

I would double check the coolant level in the radiator. Fill as needed.
Replace the radiator pressure cap. Sometimes these go bad, which can effect the cooling system.
Make sure the level of coolant in the overflow tank is correct, and the hose going from the radiator to the tank is not broken.
Radiator fins dirty? Clean as required (water)
Radiator is corroded or otherwise blocked on the inside.
--Coolant not flowing properly.
Thermostat is installed upside down. (An easy way to tell this is to feel the upper radiator hose. Usually when the temp gauge starts to rise, the hose should start to get warm).