Reply to "Replaced radiator, now the engine is running hotter during stop and go driving"

I respectfully disagree with Aus Ford regarding slowing down the coolant flow. I ran my cleavland for YEARS without the thermostat and it worked GREAT. I do however agree that the thermostat isn't really needed do to the electric fans unless you jump in your car and hit the freeway. In that case the motor WILL take a bit longer to get up to temp.

If you want to experiment, plug the hole under the thermostat with a freeze plug and run WITHOUT a thermostat and see what change happens. If you want to drill a small hole in the center as john suggests, then go ahead, however I ran with a solid freeze plug without any kind of issue for years.

I have heard people talk about slowing down the coolant flow, so it stays in the radiator longer, for years. There are people much smarter than I, that have dispelled that myth and with some simple tests, it could easily be proved or dis-proved...