Nissan Repair: Water flow and thermostat, mercury villager, nissan quest

Question
Hello there. I own a '94 Mercury Villager (same as Nissan Quest by part). If I were to remove the thermostat (in my case the thermostat has become stuck closed) from the cooling system and allow coolant to continuously flow rather than rely on the opening and closing of the thermostat, can anything be damaged? I understand the heater become much less effective without a thermostat. I live in south Florida, so I've been told it is of no harm as the danger of cold water running into the block when first turned on is not of worry unlike a vehicle up north.

So would removing the thermostat cause any problems other than a less effective heater? Would removing the thermostat shorten (or extend) the life of the water pump. Let me know any and all effects from doing this. Thanks.

Answer
Hello -

Yes, removing the thermostat in warmer areas is a viable option. However I would recommend removing the "guts", or just the center part of the thermostat (the spring and the sensor), cut off the 2 metal bars that hold the sensor in place.

Reason for this is you don't want the coolant to flow too fast through the radiator or it will lose cooling effect.

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin