if the thermostat in my cars broke......how can i improvise without buying 1?

Answer 1

The other answers are correct. A new thermostat is just a few dollars.

The reason I answered rather than just check the other good answers is to make a suggestion.

When you buy the new thermostat, drill two 1/8 inch holes on the closed surface. It will restrict the water enough so the engine will run at the proper temperature, but will allow enough water through so when it stops working properly, your engine won't overheat before you buy a new one.

Another good tip is to use Mercedes Benz coolant. It costs about twice what Prestone costs, but it has an awesome corrosion inhibitor and a liquid lubricant that doesn't precipitate out of solution like the silicone in other anti-freezes.

Since most thermostats stop working because of a buildup of corrosion, you'll be doing yourself and your car a big favor.
.

Answer 2

I don't know where you live, but if it's less than 95 degrees your car will use more gas, not run as well, and will not pass a smog test without a properly operating thermostat. Also, it's likely that it will eventually close and cause your engine to overheat, and that could crack your head or ruin your radiator tanks. This is one of the cheapest repairs to make on a car. $10-$15 is a good estimate for the part and most are not hard to replace. Frankly, if you can't afford a new t-stat, you cannot afford to own a car.

Answer 3

In the "old days", a vehicle would run just fine without a thermostat, it would just run cooler. Today's cars are computerized and are designed to run at a certain temperature, so you need to replace your thermostat (<$10) so the engine runs properly.

Answer 4

I own a shop and heres what you do. Take the old termostat out and then rig an old kitchen faucet in the radiator hose. It may take a lot of duct tape to get it to fit right, don't worry thats normal. Then shut the faucet off and start driving and when the engine starts to get too hot jump out and open the faucet. When it starts getting too cold jump out and close the faucet and just keep doing that until you can afford a new one from auto zone or a good used one. Good luck, hope this helps.

Answer 5

If you must you can remove the thermostat & run it with out one. After you save enough money, it will need to be replaced to get the operating temp. back up. Most computerized cars need a constant temp. to operate efficiently

Answer 6

You can improvise by just removing it. Take it out and put the housing back on ( if it's in a housing and not in a hose) Just make sure your gasket is still good.

Answer 7

You could take it out but than the car would likely run too cold. Just buy a new one, they don't cost much and the problem will be solved.

Answer 8

safely, u cant...
but if u really wanna be a tight ***, take it out and put ur cooling fans on a switch so u can turn them on and off as the car gets hotter...

Answer 9

only traveling a few miles at a time? seriously. just shell out the what, 50 bux for a new one. unles you have to go to a mechanic, prepare for an empty wallet.

Answer 10

oh my gosh. you paid your internet bill didnt you? a new thermostat is like maybe $5-$10 dollars.