What is the purpose of a thermostat for the radiator?

Question

What happens if the thermostat is damaged? How does it work with the fans? If the thermostat fails to function, what will happen to the engine?

Answer 1

Thermostate is the regulator of contance temp and water flow threw the rad> If removed it would not slow down the water for cooling>

Answer 2

The thermostat contains the coolant to the block and releases it at a set temp. so that the engine can run at its prim temp. to cool and it will not heat your heater and the engine will also run richer causing more pollution and worse fuel mileage. If the thermostat is damaged or put in backwards then the engine can not maintain the prim temp. the fans turn on with a switch that checks the temp a temperature sensor that turns the fans on and off as needed. that is why the fans come on even when you shut off the car.  if you over heat the motor you can warp the head crack the head blow the head gasket.

Answer 3

the thermostat restricts coolant flow when the engine is cold to reach operating temperature. that restriction along with the pressure in the system, maintains a constant temperature..

if it sticks closed it overheats, if it sticks open, it never warms up completely...   the fans are operated by a switch that senses temperature changes.. the fans generally are only needed when the vehicle isn't moving ,and getting airflow thru the radiator....