I have Corolla AE100 96auto. I found that Thermostat was removed by previous mechanic. 3 years im driving without thermostat. Most of the times temperature meter readings below the half line. After long drive it reach to the half level.

I live in Sri Lanka and my mechanic instruct me to install new thermostat. Now its always at the half line of the temperature meter. But i found some Radiator leakage and went for radiator mechanic. He advise me to remove the Thermostat valve immediately. He said its not needed the country like us.

So i told this incident to my USA friend Handawala and he instruct me to keep the thermostat and find a good Radiator guy.

I surf this thread and learn lots of things about Thermostat. Thanx all for your valuable comments.